Château-La-Fleur-Petrus Pomerol 2017

The 2017 Lafeur-Petrus is elegant, polished and wonderfully refined from start to finish. Everything just falls into place effortlessly. Aromatic, sculpted fruit gives the 2017 its sense of regal beauty and total finesse. Beautifully lifted and precise, it is framed by gentle, silky tannins. Small red berries, mint, blood orange, spice and licorice develop in the glass, but it is the wine's cashmere-like softness that impresses most. In 2017 Lafeur-Petrus is a real standout.

From a slightly larger vineyard covering 46 acres, the 2017 Chateau La Fleur-Petrus is a gorgeous wine that stays in the classic style of the vintage yet still packs plenty of oomph and textural richness. Based on 93% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a seamless, medium to full-bodied 2017 that has fantastic cassis and black raspberry fruits, lots of floral and spice nuances, subtle oak, and ripe, present, polished tannins. It doesn't have the opulence of the 2015 and 2016, but it's about as classy as they come. Four to five years of bottle age should put it in a sweet spot, and it will drink beautifully over the following 20 years.

At 46 acres, this is a large property for Pomerol, adjacent to Château Pétrus. This wine has great richness and acidity, conveying power, density and a hint of spice and perfume from the Cabernet Franc in the blend. Drink this wine from 2023.

A blend of 93% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2017 la Fleur-Petrus is a little youthfully reticent to begin, opening to offer glimpses at kirsch, black raspberries and warm plums plus nuances of potpourri, powdered cinnamon, dusty soil and dried lavender. Medium-bodied, the palate is finely knit and elegant with a firm frame of grainy tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.

Ripe and warm in feel, featuring steeped plum, blackberry and fig notes carried by velvety but substantial tannins. Shows good cut, with notes of ganache and black tea driving the finish, ending with a second whoosh of fruit. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2022 through 2038. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 3,600 cases made.