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La Fleur Petrus 2006
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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.
One of the candidates for “wine of the vintage,” the 2006 is potentially the finest La Fleur Petrus made since the late forties. Harvested prior to the region’s first big rain in mid-September, from yields of 30-36 hectoliters per hectare, it possesses atypical power, thickness, and richness, as well as a superb perfume of flowers, melted licorice, scorched earth, and abundant black and red fruits. Great intensity, a full-bodied, multilayered opulence, beautiful purity, and tremendous length suggest this stunning 2006 will be at its apogee between 2012-2030+.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted blind at Southwold ’06 Bordeaux tasting. The La Fleur Petrus ’06 displays Moderate intensity on the nose: red-berried fruit, mouldy oranges, molasses and a touch of leather. The palate is medium-bodied, ripe on the entry, lacking a little acidity but good weight. There are notes of earthy dark fruit, leather, mocha and a touch of thyme towards the finish. Good length but perhaps at an awkward stage at the moment? Nice cohesion though, good backbone here. Tasted January 2010.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted at JP Moueix. This is far superior to Latour-a-Pomerol. Firstly there is greater intensity on the nose with wild strawberry, raspberry, dates and a faint hint of milk chocolate. The palate is rich and supple with good backbone underneath. Nice balance, cohesive, solid and smooth and a toasty, blackberry and iodine finish. Very classy. Tasted April 2007.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
From barrel, I had much higher hopes for this wine as a potential candidate for the wine of the vintage. That said, it is still an outstanding effort, but it has nowhere near the prodigious depth and intensity that I thought. With sweet black cherry fruit intermixed with hints of truffle, kirsch, and even blacker black currants and licorice, the wine displays pure, nicely textured, medium-bodied flavors in a sensual style, but nowhere near the depth, length, and potential longevity I had expected. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Out of the most recent vintages of La Fleur-Peturs, the 2006 has perhaps the most idiosyncratic nose – at least at the moment. It is very perfumed and floral, something almost Rioja-like (which is not in a pejorative sense.) It takes you back initially, although you warm to its charms, calming down in the glass with aeration, hints of redcurrant jus and dried herbs emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, ripe tannins. Nice attack on the entry, good weight here and very cohesive. It does not quite have the complexity or the “hidden chambers” of the 2005, but the exemplary delineation and tension on the finish and a pertinent reminder that I my praise of the Pomerol 2006s was not misjudged. Drink 2014-2025. Tasted June 2013.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London. The 2006 Château La Fleur-Petrus has a fragrant, crushed rose petal bouquet mixed with raspberry coulis and wild strawberry scents, the oak beautifully assimilated and demonstrating fine precision. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, well-judged acidity, bright blueberry and black plum notes mixed with cedar and minerals towards the finish. This is turning into a très bon vin! Tasted January 2016.
Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
Red-ruby. Reticent aromas of dark berries, spices, licorice and menthol. Then almost shockingly supple, ripe and layered, with unexpected fullness and a sweet, gentle character. This is harmonious from the outset. Not at all a powerful style, but silky and suave. And nicely sweet on the back end, with the tannins arriving late.
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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