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La Fleur Pétrus 2012

Tasting Notes

Christian Moueix and his winemaking team have done a remarkable job over the last decade to bring La Fleur-Petrus into the league of Pomerol’s titans. Now a worthy rival to Trotanoy, Petrus, La Fleur, Le Gay, La Violette and Vieux Chateau Certan, the dense ruby/purple 2012 La Fleur-Petrus has beautiful silky tannins, and stunning rich black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, stunning purity, symmetry and overall character and complexity. This beauty should drink well for another 15-20 years. The final blend is classic – 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Drink: 2015 - 2035

95
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (218), April 2015

Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux tasting. The 2012 La Fleur Pétrus has a mint-fresh bouquet, vigorous and vivid, with delineated red cherry, raspberry and cassis fruit under which is a strata of wet limestone. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. This is a more understated Pomerol but there is real nuance here, black truffle and leather tinging the introspective black fruit. Yet behind that is harmony and finesse, notwithstanding impressive length and sustain. It may be slightly over-shadowed by the sensational Trotanoy, but Pomerol-lovers will lap up this fantastic La Fleur-Petrus from the JP Moueix team. Tasted January 2016.

96
Neal Martin, RobertParker.com (227), October 2016

Very perfumed with stones, dark berries, mushrooms and hints of wet earth and nutmeg shell. Full body, chewy tannins and fantastic fruit and purity. Needs time to come together but a fabulous wine for the vintage

94
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, February 2015

Tighter tannins than many in Pomerol this is built to last, with layers of liquorice, black chocolate, power and punch. You'll find more nuance in more recent vintages of La Fleur-Pétrus, but this is enjoyable, fleshy with ripe blackberry and raspberry fruit and displaying huge confidence. A great choice for signature Pomerol over the next decade or more. Harvest September 24 and October 11 - and a key vintage at the property, as this was the first vintage with the addition of land from Ch Guillot and Providence, and the removal of vines that were incorporated into sibling estate Lagrange. 50% new oak.

94
Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com, March 2022

Deep dark cherry red. Slightly stemmy cherries on the nose. And a little stalky on the palate. Fresh and energetic, not over-smoothed. Nice dry finish, though slightly abrupt at the end? A bit disappointing. (JH)

16.5
Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, April 2013

This famous Pomerol property has been run by the Moueix family (of Petrus) since the 1950's and produces a wine that is always a classic of the appellation and keenly sought-after. Virtually 100% Merlot. The yields here were only 22 hl/ha after a particularly savage, green harvest. Even with the addition of vines from the Guillot vineyard there is 40% less than last year. This fine Pomerol is fleshy but focused. The sweet red cherry and black plum fruit is luscious and succulent. There is a nice touch of toasty oak, minerals and ripe tannins. Rich but elegant and serious. Edouard Moueix compares this to the lovely 2001 vintage.

94+
Farr Vintners, March 2013

Fleshy ripe fruit fills the nose with lush black plum enriching the palate. There are layers of fruit all very black fruit in character supported by fine tannins. Towards the back the mix of bilberry and bramble refreshes and gives a lovely brightness on the finish.2020-38.

94/97
Derek Smedley MW, April 2013

Even on a wet early morning in Libourne, this wine was singing. It benefited from the
addition of several newly acquired old vine parcels close to Le Pin in 2012, bringing an extra
level of concentration. The result is the best wine in the Moueix portfolio in 2012, a step up
Trotanoy, showing soft, almost granular tannins, silky texture, fresh acidity and beautifully
integrated oak. Leafy and complex, this is a fine, nuanced Pomerol that seduces rather than
coerces, with near perfect balance and a finish that lingers on the palate.
Drink: 2020-40

97
Tim Atkin MW, timatkin.com, April 2013
Read more tasting notes...

The stunning 2012 La Fleur Petrus clearly merits its striking moniker. A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, it offers a dense purple color along with a big, sweet kiss of mulberry jam intermixed with black cherries, raspberries and even blacker fruits as well as a subtle touch of oak. The wine is full, rich, concentrated and moderately tannic. It is nearly as good as the 2010 and 2009. However, some structural tannins suggest 4-5 years of bottle age will be warranted, and the wine is capable of lasting a quarter of a century.

Another incredible success story from Pomerol, this estate (which has been elevated in quality considerably over recent vintages) harvested their fruit between September 24 and October 11. Christian Moueix told me that just about all of the Pomerol wines for which he was responsible came in between 13.8% and 14.2% alcohol.

94/96
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, April 2013

The La Fleur-Petrus has a lovely bouquet that to be frank puts both Latour-a-Pomerol and the Hosanna in the shade - dark berries, salted liquorice, dried herbs and a touch of smoke. It is complex and cerebral. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe, very fine tannins. The acidity is nicely judged and there is a cohesiveness and focus that makes this the finest cru under Christian Moueix this year. And if they add that additional plot...who knows what it might achieve Tasted April 2013.

95/97
Neal Martin, RobertParker.com, May 2013

A wine with generous fruit and velvety tannins yet reserved and polished. Full body, with a solid core of fruit and a long, delicious finish already. Excellent.

93/94
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, April 2013
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.