Chateau La Fleur Petrus 1998

WEINWISSER: "Dunkles Granat mit mittlerer Tiefe, aussen erster Reifeschimmer. Gewaltiges Bouquet mit viel trockenen Gewürzen und orientalischem Touch, Kardamom, Kreuzkümmel, Hirschleder, Zedernholz und Dörrfrüchte. Im Gaumen wesentlich jünger als in der Nase, viel Rasse und noch verlangende und stützende Tannine, langes Finale. Erst am Anfang einer langen Genussreife, einer der ganz grossen Jahrgänge des oftmals unterschätzten Weingutes."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Alluring from the get-go, with layers of warmed raspberry, plum and boysenberry confiture pumping along, carried by a remarkably dense but creamy structure. The finish shows hints of rooibos tea, alder and singed pain d'épices, giving this impressive range. Seems like this is just getting warmed up.—Non-blind La Fleur-Pétrus vertical (December 2015). Best from 2020 through 2035."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "This is close to its peak today. With a splash decanting, the nose popped with its chocolate mint, flowers, plums and truffle character. Soft and silky, the sensuous finish, with its layers of plums, black cherries, cocoa and truffle sealed the deal."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Just now coming into its own, the LFP 1998 shows how wonderful this vintage is for Pomerol. It’s soft and silky with lovely character of fruit, wet earth and mushrooms. Some flowers too. Silky and fresh. Drink or hold."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Tasted from magnum, the deep garnet-brick colored 1998 la Fleur-Petrus has alluring hoisin, charcuterie, cigar box, sandalwood and potpourri notes with a core of dried mulberries, kirsch, plum preserves and menthol plus hints of tobacco, figs and leather. Soft and satiny textured in the medium to full-bodied mouth, it has bags of earth and minted cassis flavors accenting the dried berries and earthy layers, finishing with a spicy lift."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Served blind. Beautiful balance with a dry end. Absolutely classic claret. Pure and simple – in a good way."