La Fleur Petrus, Hosanna, Belair Monange and more
25 June 2020
Jean-Pierre Moueix is almost singlehandedly responsible for putting Pomerol on the map. It’s hard to believe that this now revered commune was virtually unknown before he started buying up vineyards and promoting the wines in the 1950s. The family’s acquisitions are now the stuff of legend: Petrus, Trotanoy, La Fleur Petrus, Hosanna, Magdelaine, Belair… They have a nose for great terroir! Recent developments made by Christian and Edouard have further improved these brands. Their reputation for making classical expressions of these wonderful terroirs and true representations of the vintage doesn’t always win them the accolades they deserve. The 2019s are simply spectacular. These are wines with real gravitas and flair that hold one’s interest with their deeply complex mineral tannins and sheer dynamism. It is a spellbinding range, which reflects the brilliance of these sites and showcases this sympathetic style of wine-making at its very best.
“The 2019 La Fleur-Pétrus underwent double sorting, optical and manual, after harvest between 17 September and 3 October. It is matured in 50% new oak. It has a gorgeous bouquet with expressive red and black fruit, intermixed with crushed stone, freshly shaved black truffle and a touch of blue fruit perhaps originating from the 3% Petit Verdot. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, gently grippy tannins, undercurrents of tobacco and earth towards the finish. It actually ends more cerebrally than I anticipated, quite mercurial in the glass. This will require several years in bottle, but it will surely be worth the wait. Superb! 2026 – 2050. 94-96/100”. - Neal Martin, vinous.com Read More
“The 2019 Hosanna continues this Pomerol cru's strong run of form. Picked between 20 September and 3 October, it is matured in 50% new oak. It contains a little more Cabernet Franc than previous vintages (31%). It has a divine bouquet, pure and delineated with intoxicating scents of blackberry, raspberry preserve, rose petals, hints of blood orange and a light smear of honey. The palate is beautifully balanced with filigree tannins and perfectly judged acidity. Cabernet Franc contributes an extra dimension to the finish. This might well be the best Hosanna since its inception. 2025 – 2055. 96-98/100”. - Neal Martin, vinous.com
“The 2019 Bélair-Monange, currently undergoing extensive renovation, was picked from 19 September to 3 October and matured in 50% new oak. It certainly leans upon red fruit on the nose with vivacious wild strawberry, cranberry and Morello scents, wonderful mineralité emerging with aeration. This really repays patience. Monitoring it over an hour it uncovers more black fruit - keeps you on your toes. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins and a sensual silky texture that belies the sheer depth of this Saint-Émilion. It fans out with abandon on the finish - just an outstanding wine that will offer drinkers many years of pleasure. 2024 - 2055. 96-98”. - Neal Martin, vinous.com