Fleur Cardinale 2010

Dense ruby/purple, it tips the scales at 15% natural alcohol and was bottled unfined and unfiltered. Full-bodied in texture, it offers up loads of blueberry, blackberry and raspberry fruit intermixed with some cedar, vanilla and a touch of spring flowers. Impressively built, with good acidity and light tannin, this is a superb example of wine that reaches its prime in 3 or 4 years and lasts two decades. It's right up there with their brilliant 2005. From an estate owned by Dominique and Florence Decoster, this wine has been a real treasure to follow over the last decade. Another over-achieving, brilliant effort from the Decosters, the 2010 from their 45-acre vineyard is a blend of 70% Merlot and the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The greatest Fleur Cardinale since the 2005, the super-powerful, rich, opaque purple-colored 2010 exhibits beautiful floral notes intermixed with black raspberry, blueberry and boysenberry fruit as well as a hint of minerality. Exuberant and flamboyant with full-bodied richness, stunning purity and an impressive, textured mouthfeel and finish, this beauty should age effortlessly for 12-20 years.