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.

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-Medoc-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.

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.