La Fleur Cardinale 2016 75cl

Well-endowed, with dark plum and blackberry puree notes forming the core, while a hefty dose of licorice-accented toast frames everything. Lush mouthfeel, though there is some energy rippling underneath. The fruit is copious and alluring, though this leans to the power/extraction side of the ledger.—J.M. .

The deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Fleur Cardinale (composed of 74% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon) offers up bold scents of Christmas cake, fried Indian spices, dried mulberries and preserved plums with nuances of balsamic, mocha and lavender. Full-bodied, rich and firmly textured with grainy tannins, it has loads of savory layers and great length.