Wine Advisor
La Fleur Petrus 1996
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Description
Château La Fleur-Pétrus is one of the most renowned vineyards of Pomerol. This historic estate, situated exclusively on the plateau, was named in the 18th century for its position across the localities ‘Petrus’ and ‘La Fleur’. Established in Libourne since 1937, Jean-Pierre Moueix perceived early on the excellent quality of the Pomerol appellation. Château La Fleur-Pétrus was his very first acquisition in 1950. Quickly after, he purchased Château Trotanoy in 1953.
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
This property has come of age with the acquisition of Le Gay's old vine parcel. It is now consistently one of the finest wines of the appellation, and clearly merits is famous name. The 1996 may deserve an outstanding score with a year or two of bottle age. It boasts an impressively saturated ruby/purple color, as well as a pure, sweet nose of cherries, plum liqueur, spicy oak, and floral scents. The wine possesses excellent depth, medium body, superb purity, and an overall elegant personality offering a combination of power and finesse. Anticipated maturity: now-2015.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
One of the better Pomerols of the vintage, this wine has put on weight since I first tasted it. It is deep ruby-colored, with excellent aromatics consisting of black plums, cherries, spices, and a hint of truffles. Backward and deep, with excellent, possibly outstanding depth of fruit, this medium to full-bodied, powerful, concentrated La Fleur-Petrus is an impressive effort in this vintage, especially for a right bank wine that relies heavily on the Merlot grape. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2018.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
This wine was closed and difficult to fully assess when I tasted it in late March. However, I did enjoy the dense purple color, and the tight but promising nose of black fruits, truffles, spices, and vanillin. Masculine and powerful on the palate (a new direction stylistically in view of the old vine parcel acquired from Le Gay?), this medium-bodied, backward La Fleur-Petrus should reward those with enough patience to wait 6-7 years for some of the tannin to melt away. This wine could merit an outstanding score in 8-10 years. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2015.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
This property has come of age with the acquisition of Le Gay's old vine parcel. It is now consistently one of the finest wines of the appellation, and clearly merits is famous name. The 1996 may deserve an outstanding score with a year or two of bottle age. It boasts an impressively saturated ruby/purple color, as well as a pure, sweet nose of cherries, plum liqueur, spicy oak, and floral scents. The wine possesses excellent depth, medium body, superb purity, and an overall elegant personality offering a combination of power and finesse. Anticipated maturity: now-2015.
About the Producer
Château La Fleur-Pétrus is one of the most renowned vineyards of Pomerol. This historic estate, situated exclusively on the plateau, was named in the 18th century for its position across the localities ‘Petrus’ and ‘La Fleur’. Established in Libourne since 1937, Jean-Pierre Moueix perceived early on the excellent quality of the Pomerol appellation. Château La Fleur-Pétrus was his very first acquisition in 1950. Quickly after, he purchased Château Trotanoy in 1953. The personality of Château La Fleur-Pétrus lies in the careful association of the famous gravel and clay terroirs of the plateau of Pomerol. The vineyard, located at 33 to 38 meters above sea level, draws its identity from the nuances of soil and elevation of each parcel. Those parcels which are dominated by gravel tend to yield wines of great elegance, while those dominated by clay are distinctly velvety, dense, and structured. Château La Fleur-Pétrus is composed predominantly of Merlot, which lends silkiness and generosity to the wine. Cabernet Franc, planted on gravel and fine clay, contributes rigor and complexity, while a small percentage of Petit Verdot, planted on fine gravel, offers a hint of spice to the finish. The wine combines a unique elegance with the generosity and structure typical of the great vineyards of Pomerol. An attentive tasting reveals remarkable refinement, complexity, and a touch of violet.
1982(2)1983(1)1995(1)
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