Château Palais Cardinal 2020

A firm, linear red with blackberry, chalk and white pepper undertones. Medium body. Fresh finish. Chewy at the end. Needs two or three years to open. Best after 2025.

The 2020 Palais Cardinal actually works better on the nose than La Réserve, with better definition and more freshness. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine depth of fruit, easing back on the finish with a light-hearted and breezy close. This is much better!

Licorice, smoke, herbs, espresso, plums and cocoa create the nose. On the palate, the wine is rich, opulent, sweet, fresh and fruity with silky tannins and a touch of peppery spice in the fruit-filled finish. 90-92 Pts

The 2020 Château Palais Cardinal (73% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc) is a clear step up over the La Réserve and has a solid array of red and black fruits, leafy herbs, acacia flowers, and spicy wood. Despite being aged all in new barrels, its oak is nicely integrated, and it has medium- to full-bodied richness, building yet ripe tannins, and outstanding length. Give bottles just a few years in the cellar and enjoy over the following decade.

Creamy and enveloping, the nose shows a balm-like profile with ripe black and red fruit. Lovely, focused and racy juice, energetic, with a crisp and fine nature, slightly warm on the finish but marked by a lovely indulgence.

The wine from this 64-acre vineyard has red-cherry juice aromas, juicy acidity and light tannins. It is structured with a good potential. Drink this rich blend of 50-year-old vines from 2026.