2016 Château La Fleur-Pétrus, Pomerol

The vineyards which today constitute Ch La Fleur-Pétrus lie in three exceptional sectors on Pomerol’s famous plateau. Partly, they are just across a narrow road from Ch Pétrus itself, where they touch another rare Pomerol, Lafleur. An additional plot of adjoining land, planted with old, mainly Merlot vines, was acquired in the mid-1990s. During the 2000s and in 2011, more superbly-placed vines were bought, lying around Hosanna, and also between Trotanoy and Le Pin. The wine is now made at a state-of-the-art winery in Pomerol village, and La Fleur-Pétrus has greater structure and more concentration than ever before. With its finesse, potential complexity and sensational texture, it is increasingly recognised as one of Pomerol’s quintessential, most thrilling wines.
In colour, this 2016 this is solidly rich purple, all the way to the rim. Aromas are powerful, recalling fresh black cherries, with complex, fragrant spiciness. On the palate, this is densely fruity, with impressive structure, and great concentration. Its potential for ageing is clearly apparent – from its concentrated, dense core of fruitiness, its freshness of aftertaste, its mouthcoatingly rich tannins, and above all from its exceptional length. It is elegant, luscious, and magnificent – undoubtedly one of Bordeaux’s greatest bottles this year (for drinking 2020-2040+). As in the past, we will favour passionate Pomerol-lovers when making allocations.