Château La Fleur Pétrus, Pomerol, 2023
As always the La Fleur Petrus is more composed and restrained than the decadent Hosanna. This exudes a cool confidence. Initially a little reticent, then revealing a serious bouquet of cigar tobacco, fresh tea leaves, floral notes, pure cassis, incense and griotte. Layered and full of class, the palate offers lots of mineral inflected fruit; textural, bright and refreshing, this is so harmonious, everything is present without any excess. The deep core of fruit is cosseted by beautiful tannins leaving the sensation of fine salts and luxurious oak. Very smart.
critic reviews
Impressive, carefully constructed a slow unfoll, full of Pomerol texture and flesh, concentrated roasted coffee bean, and incense, expands through the palate, oyster shell salinity on the finish alongside dark cassis fruits and lifted tannic frame. 50% new oak for ageing. Harvest September 7 to 19.
The 2023 La Fleur-Pétrus has a refined bouquet with raspberry, wild strawberry, black truffle and light leather scents that gradually unfold on the nose. Quite classical in style, though I am just seeking a bit more ambition. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, good mid-weight body and fine grip. There is something slightly Oriental in style toward the finish that shows a touch more vivacity than the Hosanna this year. It stays within its lane, but it is the right lane to be in.
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2023 La Fleur-Petrus strolls out of the glass with confidently classic notes of ripe plums, boysenberries, and pencil shavings followed by nuances of lilacs, iron ore, and tapenade. The medium-bodied palate is tight-knit and lively, with fine-grained tannins and a lingering ferrous finish. The blend is 96.5% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 0.5% Petit Verdot.
Vibrant plum colour, richly textured from the first moments, bringing you squarely into Pomerol. Intense concentrated espresso and liqourice, the construction is expertly done, with lifted architecture, confident tannins and lift on the finish, turning on the pleasure factor as it opens in the glass. Harvest September 7 to 19.