Chateau La Fleur Petrus 2021

Slight reduction, then interesting, restrained spicy oak notes; it starts out compact, then develops freshness and density over fine-grained tannins; the goal is balance, not concentration.

A step up in this vintage, this shows layers of dark currant and blackberry puree, plus ample notes of sweet tobacco, bay, warm earth and singed alder. Long and refined through the finish, this tilts toward savory overall but offers ample fruit notes in reserve. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2026 through 2040. 2,700 cases made, 252 cases imported.

This leather- and black-pepper-spiced wine has richness, structure and density. It comes from a 40-acre vineyard in the heart of Pomerol. Its structure comes from generous tannins and black-plum fruit. Drink from 2028.

Smooth and supple, a nice energy and focus to this, clean and clear with a lovely purity and finesse. Lots of red berry fruit, just ripe, almost on the tangy sour side but stays in the right place, giving a good, wide mouthful without feeling too heavy or dense or pushed. Clear and racy with nicely gripping tannins and lots of fresh mint, menthol and wet stone on the finish. Tension, focus and drive, I'd like to see how this evolves. Excellent potential.

Brambles, purple flowers, and green tobacco leaves followed by tree bark, crushed rocks, dark chocolate and roasted coffee beans. Full-bodied, superb fine tannins that is juicy and succulent with bright acidity. Vibrant and energetic, yet harmonious with classy depth and finesse. Fantastic 2021. Try after 2030.

The 2021 La Fleur-Pétrus left me a little perplexed from barrel—a potential "slipped catch" during a recent purple patch. The nose does little at the moment, missing a bit of vigor and revealing only touches of singed leather; maybe it’s even a bit farmyardy. The palate is better, with a smooth texture and fine tannins. Cohesive with licorice and hints of blue fruit, it seems determined to compensate for the aromatics and at least leave on a positive note. I'm still not convinced that it is a top tier La Fleur-Pétrus as it lacks length, but it will do.

Medium-bodied, earthy, vibrant, and focused on its core of flowers, espresso, chocolate-covered plums, black raspberries, and a sprig of mint, the wine lacks the intensity, and concentration found in the more recent, exalted vintages. Still, there is a lot to love here with its regal airs, silky-tannins, and lush, supple, polished, vibrant, creamy-textured finish. This is really quite strong, especially when you consider the difficulties in the vintage. Drink from 2025-2050.

Intense ruby fades to purple at the rim. Delicate blackberry notes, a touch of dark cherry and orange zest, also red fruit aspects, perhaps a little shy. Complex, tightly meshed, chocolatey texture, ripe tannins, cherry and nougat on the finish, zesty acidity carries through on the long finish; will benefit from further time in bottle.

The 2021 Château La Fleur-Petrus comes from 18.7 hectares of vines planted in the deep clay and gravelly soils located on the upper plateau of Pomerol. Harvested between September 23 and October 6 and just about all Merlot (there's 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot), its ruby/plum hue gives way to a beautifully textured, round, supple, elegant Pomerol that has solid underlying tannins, good mid-palate depth, and outstanding length. Give this charming, forward, undeniably delicious Pomerol 2-4 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following 15+ years.

The great La Fleur Pétrus has gained a little more after bottling compared to the En Primeur tastings! Super deep, refined and silky, it comes across as very sweet and full-bodied, bold and fresh, with a generous aromatic profile. The palate opens just as dense, sweet and rich, with magnificent creaminess, outstanding spice and crazy power. It delivers this superb fullness with that Pomerol lightness which, despite all its intensity, keeps the wine from turning heavy. Grand freshness and a wide-ranging, expansive feel.

Kunz Fassprobe 2022: (95% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot) A velvety, dense, complex bouquet with a subtle mineral touch: wild strawberries, blueberries, raspberry jelly, mint, a delicate hint of nougat, chocolates and pralines. The palate is tightly knit, creamy and layered, with powerful, fresh fruit, plenty of fine tannins, a creamy, finely muscular structure, a broad, intense, sweet-leaning aromatic profile, and a long, firm finish with lots of lingering echoes.

(95% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot) Velvety, dense, complex bouquet with a subtle mineral edge: wild strawberries, blueberries, raspberry jelly, mint, a delicate hint of nougat, pralines. Tightly knit, creamy, multi-layered palate with intense, fresh fruit, plenty of fine tannin, a creamy, finely muscular structure, a varied, powerful, sweet-tinged aromatic profile, and a long, powerful finish with lots of return aromas. 19/20 2028 - 2060

Silky tannins, not a word I am using often with this vintage (and one that I see only after tasting in bottle that I also used during the En Primeur tasting note). The emphasis is on blue fruits, black truffles, chamomile tea and bitter chocolate, with blueberry, cloves, liquorice root and rose petals, slender fruit structure but full of finesse and pleasure. September 23 to October 6 harvest, 50% new oak for ageing.

A blend of 95% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, La Fleur-Petrus 2021 is deep garnet-purple in color. It needs a fair bit of swirling to unlock notes of baked plums and black raspberries, giving way to hints of cracked black pepper, lavender, graphite, and aniseed. The medium-bodied palate delivers mouth-coating, beautifully pure black and red fruit flavors, with a grainy texture and seamless freshness, finishing on a perfumed note.

The freshness of 2021 serves this cru well, tempering its natural generosity while offering an interpretation that is both deep and vibrant. Beneath its finely oaked nuances emerge beautifully defined tangy black fruit, pinpoint tannins and an intense earthy imprint.

The bouquet evokes the gentle play of light filtering through the leaves on the trees, stirred by the breeze. On the palate, a concentration of ripe red and black fruits, wrapped in a lacy tannic structure, and a finish of great tenderness.

Fine and detailed, La Fleur-Pétrus 2021 shines through its diversity and complexity. Floral and fruity nuances are the very DNA of the bouquet, as always! Fresh and silky, the wine is carried by precise tannins—almost suave—and perfectly integrated. They work hand in hand with the acidic structure, creating a highly convincing harmony that still leaves room for character and savoury depth. What a success!

Logo on the cork: JF Dark colour, of normal intensity and even throughout. Medium-intensity nose, but attractive and even deep. Soft aromas of flowers, plum and liquorice. Delicately mellow on entry, the wine settles in adequately through the mid-palate before gliding into a very aromatic finish with a subtly creamy, rounded texture. Fine tannins. Lovely flavour on the finish.

This wine steps forward with distinction, wrapped in a sensual, fresh bouquet. Just-picked black fruit is joined by menthol notes and wet earth. The palate is built on a sanguine, sappy frame: the firmly held, well-set flesh stretches out with straightness, and the tannins show themselves to be strict yet elegant. It is a racy, precise wine, uncompromising in its execution.

The 2021 La Fleur-Pétrus has realized all the potential it showed in barrel and stands out as a real success on the Right Bank. Wafting from the glass with notes of cherries, dark berries, licorice, anise, violets and baking chocolate, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered, with a velvety attack that segues into a suave, seamless mid-palate that exhibits good depth and concentration.