Chateau La Fleur Petrus 2014

The vineyards of Château La Fleur-Pétrus have a long history in the appellation of Pomerol. The Château was built in 1783 and, by the 19th century, the wines had gained great renown in the area. The vineyard lies between the great Petrus and Lafleur, hence the name. It has since passed through many notable hands, before coming into the ownership of Jean Pierre Moueix. Moueix, noted for his work on and later ownership of Château Pétrus, used his expertise to bring about the greatest expressions of the terroir in his wines. 

This was one of the best Pomerols of the 2014 vintage and can be drunk from an early age. La Fleur-Pétrus is a blend of roughly 90% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot, aged between 16 and 18 months in 50% new French Oak barrels, following fermentation in temperature-controlled concrete and stainless-steel vats. The aroma of this vintage is complex and fruit-forward, with notes of fresh strawberry, black cherry, cassis and black plum, along with offerings of liquorice, spice, vanilla and forest floor. The palate is full bodied, with a strong foundation of silky tannins, yet balanced and refined, with red and black fruits in abundance and great fruit-driven length.   

“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. Drink Date 2020-2045” 94/100 Neal Martin