History
Chateau La Fleur-Petrus has a rich history dating back to the 13th century when Edward I established the Commanderie of Pomerol, defining several plots of land within the area, one of which was called La Fleur. The vineyard was first named La Fleur-Pétrus in the 18th century by the Arnaud family, who also owned neighboring Petrus at the time. In 1950, Jean-Pierre Moueix purchased the estate, marking the beginning of the Moueix family's involvement. Over the years, the estate has expanded significantly, with Christian Moueix increasing the vineyard size to nearly 19 hectares by 1995 and Edouard Moueix further expanding it in 2012 by adding more parcels of deep gravel soil.
The property has undergone significant replanting and investment, including the integration of an historic parcel on the Pomerol plateau. The vineyards are planted primarily with Merlot, along with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The estate's wines have gained prominence under the Moueix family, with notable improvements following the devastating 1956 frost and subsequent replanting. Today, Chateau La Fleur-Petrus is known for its elegant and sensuous Bordeaux wines, often aging gracefully for decades.
Terroir
Château La Fleur-Pétrus is situated on the plateau of Pomerol, a region known for its unique terroir. The vineyard spans 18.7 hectares and is predominantly composed of Merlot (91%), with smaller percentages of Cabernet Franc (6%) and Petit Verdot (3%). The terroir is characterized by a mix of gravel and deep clay soils, with iron-rich subsoil contributing to the wine's structure and complexity.
The vineyard is divided into three main blocks, each with distinct soil types. The northern part of the vineyard has more gravel, yielding wines of great elegance. The southern part is dominated by clay, resulting in velvety, dense, and structured wines. The middle section experiences a slightly warmer microclimate with more gravel, adding to the overall complexity of the terroir.
This unique blend of gravel and clay soils, along with the varied elevation (33 to 38 meters above sea level), contributes to the wine's remarkable refinement, complexity, and a touch of violet, making Château La Fleur-Pétrus one of the most renowned vineyards in Pomerol.
