Château La Fleur-Pétrus
Château La Fleur-Pétrus 2015
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 2015 vintage brings together the 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.
Vintage
In a year when Pomerol made spectacular wines, LFP flourished. Very simply stated by Christian Moueix: “A vintage characterized by heat and sun, the wines produced in Pomerol and Saint-Emilion are exceptional for their fruit, depth, and balance.”
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.
Reviews
"Breathtaking classicism"
James Suckling - August 9, 2018 "The aromas to this are stunning with lavender, rose petals, walnut skin, strawberries and raspberries. Captivating. Full body, layers of polished tannins and perfectly ripe fruit. Dense and very long. Breathtaking classicism."
"overwhelming in its beauty"
Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media - August 9, 2018 "The 2015 La Fleur-Pétrus is a magical wine. Soaring aromatics, beautifully layered, translucent fruit and exceptional balance are the signatures. Hints of orange peel, white pepper and rose petal add an exotic flair. A wine of total harmony, the 2015 offers superb intensity and structure to play off the natural richness of the year. A dollop of Petit Verdot rounds out the blend. The 2015 is like a full-on orchestra where all the instruments are clearly heard but also come together in unison to create a wall of sound that is overwhelming in its beauty."
