Wine Advisor
La Fleur Petrus 2011
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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 medium ruby color is followed by a vivid nose of sweet kirsch, raspberries, flowers and dusty, loamy soil notes. This terrifically scented 2011 is medium-bodied, quintessentially elegant, and loaded with flavor. Obviously, the Moueixs have dedicated considerable time and money to upgrade this terroir as recent vintages have been among the most impressive wines I have ever tasted from La Fleur-Petrus. This relatively forward 2011 Pomerol should drink well for 10-15 years.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted at JP Moueix. I left my sample of La Fleur-Petrus to unfurl over five minutes and it was worth the wait. It unfolds with lovely floral aromas: rose petals sprinkled over red fruits and a scent of oyster shell emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine silky tannins, a gentle but insistent grip in the mouth and a layered cassis and dark plum fruit profile that is elegant and yet powerful. This is another sensual 2011 from Mon. Moueix and his team. Tasted April 2012.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Made in a distinctive style, the 2011 La Fleur-Petrus is similar to Petrus in weight, richness and overall personality. A dense ruby/purple/plum color is accompanied by notes of creme caramel, sweet black cherries and raspberries. Medium-bodied, stylish and potentially complex as well as concentrated, it should drink nicely for 15 or more years.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2011 Château La Fleur-Petrus is surprisingly forward and as someone that bangs Bordeaux, I would not begrudge anyone for opening this now. It has plenty of fruit on the nose: raspberry coulis, truffle and just a touch of menthol that evolves after an hour the bottle has been opened. This is precocious in the context of the vintage. The palate is soft and fleshy on the entry, quite saline with sappy black fruit, fruit-forward for the first hour, but then seeming to run out of ideas after an hour and thinning out (whereas the 2012 fans out). As a consequence, it just feels a little grainy and hard, in contrast to the more comely bouquet. Tasted February 2016.
Reviewed by: Ian d'Agata
Good full ruby. Rich, mellow aromas of blackcurrant, plum and licorice. Dense, seamless and deep, with spicy plum and tobacco flavors enlivened by good peppery thrust. At once bright and suave, finishing with sneaky length. An outstanding, very well balanced wine that only lacks the complexity of the best vintages.
Reviewed by: Ian d'Agata
Fully saturated ruby-purple. Deep, rich aromas of violet, cassis, cedar and stone on the complex nose. Rich, sweet and dense, then brighter on the back half, with the violet quality returning on the long, clean, ripely tannic finish. Lovely juicy persistence here. Considering all the gravel in these soils, I would have expected a less successful wine, but the roots go deep here.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2011 La Fleur-Petrus has a well-defined, what feels like Cabernet Franc-tinged bouquet with black pepper, sous-bois and light tobacco scents percolating through the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied, simple with fleshy, quite saturated tannins. Cohesive towards the finish with black pepper, clove and truffle, this has fine complexity and reveals more personality and charm with aeration. Tasted blind at the 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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