A rising gem within the right bank’s mosaic of vineyards, Château Croix Cardinale lies in the clay-limestone soils of Saint-Émilion. Acquired by the Decoster family in 2001, the estate is a sister property to Château Fleur Cardinale, sharing the same exacting standards and the same deep-rooted respect for land, craft, and legacy.

Nestled on the cooler slopes of Saint-Émilion, Château Croix Cardinale benefits from a terroir of rich clay over limestone bedrock—soils that lend structure, freshness, and mineral tension to its wines. The vineyard spans 18 hectares and is planted predominantly to Merlot, with supporting roles from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The estate is certified organic, and farming practices are driven by biodiversity and soil health, aligning with the family’s commitment to sustainability and long-term stewardship.

In the cellar, the approach is one of precision and elegance. Grapes are hand-harvested, sorted with care, and vinified plot by plot to preserve the individuality of each parcel. Fermentations are managed gently to coax out purity and finesse, followed by aging in French oak barrels—primarily new—for 12 to 16 months. The result is a wine that is rich yet vibrant, polished yet soulful.

The flagship Château Croix Cardinale Saint-Émilion Grand Cru presents layers of black plum, cherry liqueur, and mocha, framed by velvety tannins and lifted by a limestone-driven freshness. It is a wine that speaks of place with clarity, crafted for both immediate pleasure and graceful aging.

Under the watchful guidance of Caroline Decoster and her team, Château Croix Cardinale has emerged as a confident voice in Saint-Émilion—an estate shaped not by grandeur, but by quiet refinement and thoughtful evolution. It is a reflection of family, fidelity to the land, and the gentle strength of the right bank’s finest terroirs.

From vine to glass, Croix Cardinale captures a harmony of richness and restraint—a poised expression of Saint-Émilion’s timeless allure.