2012 La Fleur Petrus
By Chateau La Fleur Petrus
2012 La Fleur Petrus from Chateau La Fleur Petrus, Pomerol, Bordeaux
The 2012 vintage in Bordeaux challenged vignerons with its varying climatic whims, yet the skilled winemakers at Chateau La Fleur Petrus crafted a mesmerising Pomerol that comfortably rises above the vicissitudes of the season. Nestled in the right bank of Bordeaux, this particular vintage of the esteemed 2012 La Fleur Petrus whispers the story of terroir coping robustly with Mother Nature’s testing times.
A Vintage Enveloped in Elegance
Despite the weather's capricious nature, 2012 revealed a pivotal Pomerol vintage where timing and precision were paramount. The favourable warm patches interspersed throughout an otherwise unpredictable growing season allowed Chateau La Fleur Petrus to harvest grapes at a window that ensured ripeness while retaining the quintessential structure and aromatic complexity.
The intimate knowledge that Chateau La Fleur Petrus holds over its prized vineyards was instrumental in executing a masterstroke of viticulture. The resultant 2012 La Fleur Petrus is a testament to the skill and artistry embedded within this notable estate.
Oenophilic Opulence Meets Investment Prudence
On the palate, the 2012 La Fleur Petrus unfolds like fine silk – waves of dark cherries, blackcurrants, and a hint of truffle conspire to create a sensory panorama. Underneath this luscious fruit is an intricate lattice of tannins, signalling not just immediate pleasure but also significant aging potential – a compelling trait for fine wine investors seeking to enrich their portfolio with well-poised Pomerols.
The enchanting counterpoint between the earthy depth and refined red fruit gives this wine an air of sophistication. A prolonged finish, offering graceful notes of spice and cocoa, encourages contemplation. One discovers touches of cedar wood as well, which whisper faintly of its measured time in oak barrels.
In closing, the 2012 La Fleur Petrus from Chateau La Fleur Petrus stands as a bastion of resilience and expertise from Pomerol's most daunting vintages. It exists not merely as a beacon of enjoyment for those who appreciate the grandeur of Bordeaux but as one of the discerning investments for those who understand that rarity breeds value in the world of fine wine.
Market price (GBP)
£1,560.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
97.5
Scores and tasting notes
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.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013
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.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 October 2016
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.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #206
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.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 4th 2013