2021 La Fleur Petrus

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 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.

The 2021 La Fleur-Pétrus is a very complete, satisfying wine. Its mid-weight structure makes the 2021 a fine candidate for near and medium-term drinking. Crushed flowers, lavender, black cherry, mocha and leather add a dark, brooding quality, but this remains a pretty understated vintage here.