Château La Fleur-Pétrus
Château La Fleur-Pétrus 2014
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.
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
Despite a variable Spring, a glorious Indian summer ensured the quality of the vintage.
Christian Moueix was forced to do a lot of vineyard work during the vine maturation period, when due to the humidity vegetation was vigorous. Because the left bank cabernet took an additional week or two of beautiful weather to ripen, many felt there was more consistency on that side of the Gironde; we agree, but feel that the very top estates on the right bank who had the know-how and resources to bud-thin, cut clusters early, crop thin, and leaf pluck produced wines every bit as great as the best left bank wines.
A specific advantage that La Fleur-Pétrus enjoyed in 2014 is that its gravelly soils allowed for fast-draining of the summer rains. In very hot years it can be the case that Pomerol sites with more clay retain water and can deal with the climate better. Contrarily, you will find that La Fleur-Pétrus beautifully handles years like 2014 (and 2012, 2008, 2004 and 2001) where some rain or colder weather enters the picture in spring and summer months.
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
James Suckling - October 25, 2018 “A wine evincing true enlightenment. It’s floral on the nose and also shows blackberries, stones, minerals and cedar. Full-bodied, yet its so fine-grained and tight. So, so long. It builds like a waterfall on the finish. The tannins are powerful yet superbly integrated and harmonious. Needs four to five years in bottle.”
