The 2019 La Fleur-Pétrus dares to outshine Trotanoy this year, wafting from the glass with aromas of rich berry fruit, plum preserve, dark chocolate, cigar box and spices. Full-bodied, rich and enveloping, it's broad and layered, with beautifully polished tannins, a ripe core of fruit and a seamless, enveloping profile. This is an elegantly muscular, generous Pomerol whose sumptuous personality reflects the warm, dry vintage.
A blend of 91% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2018 la Fleur-Petrus has a medium garnet-purple color and a slightly closed-down nose to begin, soon unfurling to reveal earthy notions of black truffles, mossy tree bark and damp soil, over a core of plum preserves, wild blueberries and redcurrants, plus a fragrant waft of menthol lilacs. The medium to full-bodied palate has the most gorgeous, velvety texture with well-knit freshness giving lift to the densely packed black fruit and earthy layers, finishing with a beguiling perfume. Stunning. Give it a good 3-4 years in bottle and drink it over the next 30 years or more.
A blend of 93% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2017 la Fleur-Petrus is a little youthfully reticent to begin, opening to offer glimpses at kirsch, black raspberries and warm plums plus nuances of potpourri, powdered cinnamon, dusty soil and dried lavender. Medium-bodied, the palate is finely knit and elegant with a firm frame of grainy tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.
Blended of 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc, the medium garnet-purple colored 2016 la Fleur-Petrus reveals stunning Black Forest cake, redcurrant jelly and wilted roses scents with underlying suggestions of pencil shavings, yeast extract, dark chocolate and cloves. Medium to full-bodied, the mid-palate possesses superb intensity and depth with layers of perfumed black fruits and loads of red fruit sparks framed by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing on a lingering earthy note.
The 2014 La Fleur Petrus is impressive out of barrel and it continues to evince quality now in bottle. It has a lovely, engaging bouquet with vivacious redcurrant and cranberry fruit, superb mineralité and energy, real focus and a sense of drive in situ. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, a sense of symmetry and poise from start to finish. It has perhaps turned into a slightly more elegant and feminine wine than I anticipated, less bullish than the Hosanna. But there is real complexity on the finish with black pepper and clove lingering on the aftertaste. This is superb.
Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux tasting. The 2012 La Fleur Pétrus has a mint-fresh bouquet, vigorous and vivid, with delineated red cherry, raspberry and cassis fruit under which is a strata of wet limestone. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. This is a more understated Pomerol but there is real nuance here, black truffle and leather tinging the introspective black fruit. Yet behind that is harmony and finesse, notwithstanding impressive length and sustain. It may be slightly over-shadowed by the sensational Trotanoy, but Pomerol-lovers will lap up this fantastic La Fleur-Petrus from the JP Moueix team. Tasted January 2016.
The 2010 La Fleur-Pétrus is a striking wine that is beginning to show brilliantly today. Wafting from the glass with a deep bouquet of dark berry and cherry fruit mingled with black truffles, baking chocolate, loamy soil and subtle hints of cigar wrapper. Full-bodied, deep and concentrated, it's rich and layered, with an elegantly muscular profile and a long, resonant finish. This is a dramatic, sensual and beautifully balanced wine that represents the essence of Pomerol.
Medium to deep garnet coloured, the 2009 la Fleur-Pétrus rolls out of the glass with sensuous kirsch, black cherry preserves and chocolate box scents with touches of unsmoked cigars, dried mint and star anise. Full-bodied, rich and opulently fruited in the mouth, it has beautiful red fruit sparks and a finely grained frame, finishing long and lively.
A major sleeper of the vintage, the 2008 La Fleur Petrus (90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc) is a remarkably sexy, opulent wine that transcends the vintage character. Its dense plum/ruby/purple color is accompanied by notes of sweet black cherries, licorice, truffles and a hint of graphite. Full-bodied with silky tannin as well as undeniable appeal, richness, purity and a 40+ second finish, this is a sure-fire big buy in 2008. Drink it over the next 20+ years.
Discover the depth and richness of Château La Fleur-Pétrus, crafted by the renowned Château La Fleur-Pétrus. This exquisite red wine showcases the best of its region, offering a symphony of flavors that include ripe berries, subtle spices, and hints of oak. Perfect for elevating any meal or occasion.
Abundant sweet cherry and truffle, new saddle leather and spice box notes are present in this medium to full-bodied, supple-textured, silky Pomerol. It is less concentrated than some of the big boys such as Gazin, Le Gay, L’Evangile and Certan de May, but it is an elegant, finesse style of wine to drink over the next 10-15 years.
I am not convinced the 2000 La Fleur Petrus is going to eclipse the 1998, which performed even better in a recent tasting. Nevertheless, it is a terrific effort from this estate, sandwiched between the hallowed vineyards of Petrus and Lafleur. A deep plum/ruby color is followed by aromas of mocha, kirsch liqueur, loamy soil, spice box, and licorice. It is an opulent, medium to full-bodied, big, substantial yet elegant, precise Pomerol displaying beautiful purity. It is just beginning to drink well, and should continue to age for another 10+ years. One of the two bottles I tasted was corked.