Wine Advisor
La Fleur Petrus 2008
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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.
A major sleeper of the vintage, the 2008 La Fleur Petrus (90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc) is a remarkably sexy, opulent wine that transcends the vintage character. Its dense plum/ruby/purple color is accompanied by notes of sweet black cherries, licorice, truffles and a hint of graphite. Full-bodied with silky tannin as well as undeniable appeal, richness, purity and a 40+ second finish, this is a sure-fire big buy in 2008. Drink it over the next 20+ years.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. The impressive La Fleur-Petrus 2008 has a high-toned, floral bouquet with fine delineation with scents of wild strawberry, bergamot and tealeaf, a distant salty tang developing with continued aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a lively, spicy entry and the oak appears to be melting into this wine nicely. Citric acidity, fine tension, well integrated oak towards the finish. Young and still a little disjointed, but good ageing potential. Tasted January 2012.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
A brilliant effort from this hallowed vineyard sandwiched between La Fleur and Petrus, the 2008 exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as a sweet bouquet of creme de cassis, kirsch, vanilla, and forest floor. The wine reveals remarkably sweet, ripe tannins, a full-bodied, layered, multidimensional mouthfeel, and a long finish. There is plenty of tannin, but it is so silky that this cuvee will be approachable in 3-4 years, and should last for 25+.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted at JP Moueix. There is something slightly estuarine on the nose. Well defined, linear and focused, hints of boysenberry and later violets pop their heads over the aromatic parapet, the fruits becoming every more concentrated with a hint of gingerbread. The palate is full-bodied and cut from a similar cloth as Providence: great power and intensity, perhaps more like a 2009 in terms of style. Great weight and presence on the tannic back palate with blackberry, graphite and a touch of cassis. There is a lot of oak to be subsumed on the finish, but this is a potentially a great La Fleur-Petrus that may merit a higher appraisal in the future. Drink 2014-2030. Tasted October 2010.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
En primeur barrel sample. There is certainly some super-ripe Merlot on the nose: black plum, cassis and macerated red cherries mixed with a touch of sloe. The palate follows suit: rich and decadent with layers of black fruits, a touch of tar and all spice. This really lacquers the palate, intent on making a last impression. Personally I would like to see more finesse but maybe that will become more evident with bottle age. Very tannic, almost brutish on the finish. Tasted April 2009.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Served at a mini-vertical at the chateau, the 2008 Chateau La Fleur-Petrus is a little tighter than the 2009 as you would expect. There is plenty of broody black fruit, tertiary notes, peat-like with floral scents (dried violet) joining the chorus line with time. The palate is medium-bodied with soft tannins, surprisingly supple for the vintage, tender and graceful towards the finish. Not a long-term La Fleur-Petrus, but it is filling out nicely with age and has an elegant finish that will leave you eager for the next sip. Tasted June 2013.
Reviewed by: Ian d'Agata
Bright ruby. Peppery aromas of black fruits and licorice. Enters the mouth fat, then turns juicy and light, with good grip and floral lift to the dark berry flavors. Finishes with slightly tough tannins and lingering leafy and dried plum note, but there's plenty of fruit to support the tannins over time. New J. P. Moueix head winemaker Eric Murisasco has tried slightly higher fermentation temperatures in this vintage (30-31�C instead of 28�C) in an effort to gain volume and fleshiness.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2008 La Fleur-Pétrus has a floral bouquet with pressed rose petal and iris scents embroidered into the blackberry and raspberry fruit, hints of truffle emerging with time. I love the delineation and freshness here. The palate is ripe and concentrated on the entry with layers of ripe redcurrant, cranberry jus and white pepper. There is real density to this La Fleur-Pétrus – one of the hidden gems of the vintage? (Tasted at BI Wine & Spirit’s annual 10-Year On tasting.)
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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