Chateau La Fleur-PetrusProducer from Bordeaux, France

Pomerol, Bordeaux

Château La Fleur-Pétrus is one of the most esteemed estates in Pomerol, known for producing wines of remarkable elegance, complexity, and depth. Despite not being included in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, La Fleur-Pétrus is widely regarded as one of the finest wines in Bordeaux, often considered among the top producers in Pomerol. With a unique terroir that sits between Château Pétrus and Château Lafleur, and a meticulous approach to winemaking, Château La Fleur-Pétrus consistently delivers wines that are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike.

History of Château La Fleur-Pétrus

The history of Château La Fleur-Pétrus dates back to 1950 when the estate was acquired by Jean-Pierre Moueix, one of the most influential figures in Bordeaux wine. Moueix was already renowned for his ownership of Château Pétrus, and his acquisition of La Fleur-Pétrus added another jewel to his portfolio. The estate, which was previously owned by the Arnaud family, was named after its prime location between Château Pétrus and Château Lafleur.

Under the ownership of the Moueix family, Château La Fleur-Pétrus has flourished, becoming one of the most respected names in Pomerol. The estate has benefited from the Moueix family’s dedication to quality and their deep understanding of the Pomerol terroir. Today, Christian Moueix and his son Edouard manage the estate, continuing the family’s tradition of excellence.

The Terroir of Château La Fleur-Pétrus

The terroir of Château La Fleur-Pétrus is one of its most defining features, contributing to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 18.7 hectares of vineyards are located on the famous Pomerol plateau, where the soils are a mix of gravel, clay, and sand. These well-drained soils are ideal for cultivating Merlot, which is the dominant grape variety at La Fleur-Pétrus, along with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc.

The vineyard is planted with 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. This blend reflects the estate’s commitment to capturing the full potential of its terroir, with Merlot providing richness and roundness, and Cabernet Franc contributing structure, freshness, and aromatic complexity.

The unique combination of soils, exposure, and grape varieties allows Château La Fleur-Pétrus to produce wines that are both powerful and elegant, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Château La Fleur-Pétrus

Winemaking at Château La Fleur-Pétrus is a meticulous process that combines tradition with innovation. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo rigorous sorting to ensure that only the finest fruit is used in the winemaking process. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, allowing for precise control over the extraction of flavours and tannins.

The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for 18 to 20 months, with about 50% new oak used each year. This ageing process enhances the wines' complexity and depth, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavours to integrate harmoniously. The result is a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of developing greater complexity and nuance over time.