2020 Chateau Croix Cardinale Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2020 Croix Cardinale skips out of the glass with bright, vivacious scents of Morello cherries, redcurrant jelly and black raspberries, plus suggestions of cinnamon toast, wilted roses and oolong tea, with a waft of woodsmoke. The medium to full-bodied palate is soft and juicy, featuring bags of red fruit preserves and a velvety texture, finishing long and savory. ~ 93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Aromas of ripe plums and mulberries with hints of chocolate, licorice and bark. Medium-bodied and dry with polished tannins and chalky texture. Soft and creamy finish. 84% merlot and 16% cabernet franc. Drink or hold.~92 James Suckling

The 2020 Croix Cardinale has an open bouquet with brambly red fruit, cedar and light sous-bois scents that unfold in the glass. This is fairly composed and focused. The palate has retained that quasi-Médoc-like personality, very well balanced with fine salinity, though it needs just a tad more backbone right on the finish. Otherwise, this is very commendable.~ 91 Vinous Media

The 2020 Château Croix Cardinale showed well, with a ripe, nicely balanced, medium to full-bodied profile carrying ample red, blue, and black fruits as well as some truffly, earthy, tobacco-like nuances. This round, supple, absolutely charming Saint Emilion is going to drink nicely for at least 8-10 years. ~ 91 Jeb Dunnuck