Château La Fleur-Pétrus
Château La Fleur-Pétrus 2017
Pomerol
From a wine of utter charm, La Fleur-Petrus has through the developments of the last 20 years become a wine of profound depth and complexity, all the while retaining its irresistible, seductive edge. You could even call it the archetype of Pomerol.
Today the estate is composed 90% of Merlot with an average vine age of 30 years and 10% of Cabernet Franc with an average vine age of 50 years. Christian Moueix’ obsessive work in the vineyard focuses on sap flow and the treatment of each vine individually. In the cellar, vinifications are extremely precise but quite traditional.
Vineyard
The 2017 vintage is comprised of all 3 plots of LFP, all situated within 1,500 feet of each other, at the highest elevation of Pomerol alongside the other top properties of the appellation. LFP 1, the original block, is made up of large gravelly soil with an iron-rich underlayer, drained by its northerly slope. The great elegance of the wine is what made LFP’s quality reputation, and gave it the distinction as Pomerol’s seductress, if you will. LFP 2 sits in the center of Pomerol and is made up of gravelly clay, which along with the greater warmth the particular block receives, results in a wine of tremendous suppleness and dark fruit character. LFP 3, the southern plot, has a remarkably fine, deep gravelly soil, with natural drainage toward the south, and produces a velvety, dense and structured wine.
Another important point, LFP was the first property to plant Petit Verdot after regulations allowed its planting in order to offset current and future heat increases. Today the estate is planted 91% to Merlot, 6% to Cabernet Franc, and 3% to Petit Verdot.
Winemaking
In the cellar, vinifications are extremely precise but traditional: vinification in concrete and stainless steel, aging in oak barriques for 18-22 months (50% new) with great care to limit oxidation.
Tasting Note
The wine has its trademark focused and elegant red fruit complemented by the black and earthy fruit, power and depth the wine has taken on in recent years. The tannins and structure build and unfold so gracefully, it is the epitome of what great Pomerol should display.
Color
Red
Grape Varieties
Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Appellation
Pomerol
Alcohol
14.5%
Reviews
"As classy as they come"
Jeb Dunnuck - March 10, 2020 "From a slightly larger vineyard covering 46 acres, the 2017 Chateau la Fleur Petrus is a gorgeous wine that stays in the classic style of the vintage yet still packs plenty of oomph and textural richness. Based on 93% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a seamless, medium to full-bodied 2017 that has fantastic cassis and black raspberry fruits, lots of floral and spice nuances, subtle oak, and ripe, present, polished tannins. It doesn't have the opulence of the 2015 and 2016, but it's about as classy as they come. Four to five years in the bottle age should put it in a sweet spot, and it will drink beautifully over the following 20 years."
"Plush and smoothly arranged"
James Suckling - March 10, 2020 "There's a slightly smoky edge to the nose with a wealth of ripe dark and red plums, as well as violets, blueberries and wet earth. The palate is very plush and smoothly arranged with a very attractive weave of ripe, supple tannin and a long, fresh and freshly hold on the finish. The tannins are discreet but deceptively long here. It builds."
"Velvety but substantial tannins"
Wine Spectator - March 19, 2020 "Ripe and warm in feel, featuring steeped plum, blackberry and fig notes carried by velvety but substantial tannins. Shows good cut, with notes of ganache and black tea driving the finish, ending with a second whoosh of fruit. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2022 through 2038. Tasted twice, with consistent notes."
"Finely knit and elegant"
Wine Advocate (94+ ) - March 11, 2021
"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."
"Elegant, polished and wonderfully refined"
Vinous - March 11, 2021
"The 2017 Lafleur-Petrus is elegant, polished and wonderfully refined from start to finish. Everything just falls into place effortlessly. Aromatic, sculpted fruit gives the 2017 its sense of regal beauty and total finesse. Beautifully lifted and precise, it is framed by gentle, silky tannins. Small red berries, mint, blood orange, spice and licorice develop in the glass, but it is the wine's cashmere-like softness that impresses most. In 2017 Lafleur-Petrus is a real standout."
"Enjoyable and good quality"
Decanter - March 11, 2021
"Deep and concentrated in colour and fruit character. This is pretty closed on the nose compared to some and also a little more about texture and less about fruit on the palate. Subtle, comes into its own with time in the glass and a floral character emerges as it opens, even a little sanguine. This is enjoyable and good quality."
