In 2023, the growing season in Bordeaux was marked by the threat of powdery mildew, a hot and dry summer, and rainfall both before and after the harvest. Château La Fleur-Pétrus, located on the Pomerol plateau with deep clay and gravel soils, adapted perfectly to these climatic fluctuations. When temperatures rose sharply, the clay soils retained moisture. As in previous years, Merlot makes up the bulk of the blend (about 91%), supplemented by Cabernet Franc and a small amount of Petit Verdot. The 2023 vintage leans more toward a classic style than a bold one and is expected to require extended aging in the cellar.
Robert Parker (95)
The 2023 La Fleur-Pétrus is very attractive, unfurling in the glass with aromas of dark berries, sweet cherries and plums mingled with hints of incense and spices, discreetly framed by new oak. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and layered, it's deep and textural, its rich core of fruit framed by plenty of sweet, powdery tannin.
James Suckling (98)
Very tight for this chateau, with blackberry, chocolate and black-cherry character, as well as a hint of smoky oak. Full and very poised with focus and beauty. 96.5% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 0.5% cabernet sauvignon.
Vinous (93)
The 2023 La Fleur-Pétrus is fabulous. Increasingly, I find it one the most complete Pomerols in the Moueix range. Perhaps, that’s because it comes from numerous parcels throughout the appellation and is therefore a wine that greatly benefits from blending. Bright acids and floral top notes add lift to a core of red-toned fruit. Hints of cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, mint and orange peel linger on the beautifully persistent finish.
Jeb Dunnuck (96)
94-97 The 2023 Château La Fleur-Pétrus comes from roughly 19 hectares of deeper, gravelly, clay soils located on the upper plateau of Pomerol. Almost all Merlot (there's 3% Cabernet Franc and 0.5% Petit Verdot), its ruby/purple hue is followed by a medium to full-bodied, round, concentrated Pomerol that has the vintage’s pure red and black fruits as well as some spicy, floral nuances. It's impeccably balanced and has ripe, polished, yet building tannins and a great finish. It has the château's overall elegant, silky style front and center yet this brings ample depth and richness.
