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La Fleur Petrus 1999
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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.
Christian Moueix has been pushing this estate's quality to a level just below the mighty Petrus. Recent vintages have been impressive, producing elegant wines (a hallmark of this estate) with significantly more depth, richness, and aging potential. The 1999 is a suave, beautifully knit effort with notes of cherries and raspberries in the sweet, soft entry. Some dilution is noticeable in this supple, attractive wine's flavors. While it lacks density, there is fine overall balance and quality. Drink it over the next 10-12 years.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
A touch on mint-leaf on the super-smooth nose. The palate has a soft-entry, lots of glycerin with silky smooth tannins. Good acidity with svelte black tarry fruits. Very focused with fine lush finish. I don't know whether this is a long-term wine but it is gorgeous to drink now. Tasted November 2003.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
An interesting bouquet of caramel, truffles, cherry liqueur, and spice is evolved and seductive. This medium-bodied, deliciously fruity 1999 reveals no hard edges in its low acid, well-balanced, concentrated finish. Anticipated maturity: now-2014.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
This 1999 is performing well, with more power and depth after bottling than before. It exhibits a dense ruby color as well as a sweet nose of pure black cherry jam intermixed with hints of raspberry, new wood, and earth. It is surprisingly powerful for a 1999, with admirable ripeness, sweet tannin, and low acidity. Two to three years of cellaring is warranted. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2015.
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.
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