La Fleur Pétrus 2021

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.

95% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Cask sample.The winner in the J-P Moueix stable this year, in my book. Elegant but restrained with just that bit more density on the mid palate than the other wines. Fine texture and tannins with drive on the finish. Elegance and balance combined. (JL)Drink 2028 – 2045

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. 2027-2048

The 2021 La Fleur-Pétrus is performing nicely, exhibiting aromas of plums, cherries, sweet soil tones, loamy soil and licorice, followed by a medium to full-bodied, ample and seamless palate that's lively and charming. Classically proportioned and nicely balanced, if it takes on additional depth with élevage, I'd expect it to land at the upper end of my bracketed score.

Subdued on the first nose, this is well constructed, and takes its time to unroll. Violet and gunsmoke emerge first, followed by tons of blackberry and redcurrant fruit, cocoa bean, smoked liquorice, earth and black truffles. Successful, gorgeous silky texture, less exuberant than the past few years but nuanced, seductive, overperforms the vintage and is extremely easy to recommend. One to look out for. September 23 to October 6 harvest.