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.Wine Spectator | 97 WSJust 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.James Suckling | 95 JSTasted 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.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 94 RPRed-ruby. Deep aromas of kirsch, graphite and smoky oak. Fat, thick, concentrated and deep; quite fleshy but with backbone. Already offers enticing inner-mouth perfume. Long, satisfying finish features thoroughly ripe tannins and very persistent, sweet, chocolatey fruit. This is turning out very well indeed.Vinous Media | 91 VM
