La Fleur Petrus 2003

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

A sexy, soft, fleshy, medium-bodied, fully mature Pomerol, the 2003 La Fleur Petrus possesses notes of jammy cherries, licorice and underbrush. It will not improve any further, so drink it over the next 5-6 years.

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Proprietor Christian Moueix insisted that I include in my notes that the press wine (usually 1-4%) had not yet been added to this offering, which should give it more weight and structure. Its deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by sweet black cherry fruit, a hint of wild strawberries, a sweet, medium-bodied texture, pure, elegant flavors, and moderate tannin in the finish. It will not make tasters forget the brilliant 2000 or 1998, but it is a well-made 2003 Pomerol. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2014.

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

An open-knit Pomerol, the 2003 exhibits a medium ruby color, an opulent, sweet cherry-scented nose, low acid, plump, round flavors, a fragile constitution, but an incremental richness that builds on the palate. A light effort for the vintage, it comes across like a round, juicy Pinot Noir because of its sweetness of fruit and expansiveness. Drink it over the next 10-12 years, although it may last even longer as its balance is impressive.

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

This is one of the few 2003 Pomerols that did not show as well as nine months earlier. Seemingly lighter and not terribly different in weight or texture from the 2002, the 2003 La Fleur-Petrus has a deep ruby/plum color and some sweet mocha and berry fruit intermixed with some vanilla and cedar. The wine is medium-bodied, revealing good sweetness on the attack, but then falls off in the mouth. It is well-made, attractively textured, but short in the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2014. P.S. Christian Moueix reminded me that at least 2-3 barrels of press wine would be added, which provide more density and structure.

robert_parker85

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at Bordeaux Index’s “10-Year On” tasting in London. The bouquet on the La Fleur-Petrus 2003 takes a while to get going and only reluctantly offers scents of fruitcake, prune, warm leather and a touch of mint. The palate is better with fleshy, rounded tannins and a core of soft red berry fruit – raspberry and crushed strawberry. However, overall it is lacking vigour and tension and the finish fades disappointingly. Seek out better vintages such as the 1998 or 2001. Tasted March 2013.