There’s something quietly captivating about opening a bottle of Bordeaux that’s been patiently aging, and Chateau Palais Cardinal 2016 delivers just that, a sense of time, place, and care. From the historic Saint-Émilion region, this wine reflects centuries of winemaking tradition with a vintage that speaks in deep, steady tones.

Chateau Palais Cardinal - AOCC Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux 2016 75cl
Brand: Chateau Palais Cardinal | Category: Red Wine (Bordeaux Blend) | ABV: 14% | Origin: Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France | Vol.: 75cl

Tasting Profile:
Nose: Rich and refined, with aromas of blackcurrant, ripe plum, cedarwood, and a hint of worn leather, like walking into a candlelit wine cellar.
Palate: Full-bodied and structured, offering layers of dark fruit, earthy spice, and a touch of graphite. The tannins are fine but present, guiding each sip with elegance and confidence.
Finish: Long and graceful, with lingering notes of black cherry, toasted oak, and a gentle minerality that stays just long enough to invite the next glass.

Production Details:
Crafted from a classic Bordeaux blend, primarily Merlot with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, this vintage was aged in oak barrels for added depth and complexity. The vineyard’s limestone and clay-rich soils help give the wine its balance of freshness and firmness, while the careful aging allows the fruit and structure to harmonize.

Perfect For:
Perfect for a slow dinner with someone you trust, think roast lamb, grilled mushrooms, or a dark, savory stew. It’s also the kind of wine to open during quiet celebration, when the evening calls for something meaningful and grounded.

Expert Notes:
The 2016 vintage across Bordeaux was praised for its excellent growing season, producing wines with depth, balance, and aging potential. Chateau Palais Cardinal’s offering is a strong example, accessible now, but structured enough to improve with cellaring.

Customer Reviews:
“Decanted it for an hour and it opened up beautifully. Classic Saint-Émilion feel.”
“Smooth but serious, dark fruit, dry tannins, perfect with steak.”
“Bought one bottle to try, went back for three more. Great value Bordeaux.”

Interesting Fact:
The chateau takes its name from Cardinal Richelieu, whose family once held land in the area, linking the wine to a legacy of influence, tradition, and quiet authority.

Serving Suggestions:
Let it breathe for at least 30 minutes before drinking. Serve just below room temperature. If you enjoy wines with tension and grip, try it now. For softer edges and deeper complexity, give it a few more years in the cellar.

Distillery Background:
Chateau Palais Cardinal is a family run estate nestled in the heart of Saint-Émilion. With a strong focus on sustainable vineyard practices and small-batch attention, their wines reflect both the charm of the land and the clarity of modern Bordeaux winemaking. Each bottle speaks softly, but with purpose.