Château La Fleur Peyrabon 2018

This is a wine that has been worked carefully and skilfully, with firm, bright blueberry and raspberry fruit, and a Pauillac character that comes with tannins that grip but don’t overpower. I get some sweetness from the oak and a touch more heat than is traditional for Pauillac, but it’s hard to quibble with the drinkability – this is good and very approachable.

Kunz barrel sample 19: powerful, finely peppery bouquet, red cherries, fine woods, fresh herbs. Light, well-kerned palate with a slender structure, good aromatics, delicate fruit, finely bitter finish. Can still improve.

Powerful, finely peppery bouquet, red cherries, fine woods, fresh herbs. Light, well-core palate with a slender structure, good aromatics, delicate fruit, subtly bitter finish. Can still improve. 16/20 2024 - 2035

La Fleur Peyrabon puts its tannic structure more to the fore; the palate is creamy, very dense, and the wine lingers on and on. It clearly has strong potential.

The nose is fruity, elegant, racy, offering power, a touch of concentration, and a spicy edge. It reveals notes of wild blackcurrant, violet, iris and, more subtly, wild black berries, with hints of strawberry, purple plum, as well as touches of spices, nutmeg, pepper, and a discreet hint of almond. The palate is fruity and balanced, with a juicy/tangy backbone, lovely definition, smoothness, controlled power, a certain depth, and gourmandise. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of vibrant blackcurrant, vibrant purple plum and, more subtly, small dark berries, joined by touches of raspberry and bright cherry, as well as hints of crushed redcurrant, violet, lily, spices, nutmeg, fine iodized nuances, and a discreet hint of fresh tobacco and grey pepper. Good length. The tannins are elegant, well-handled, and racy. Score: 16.25+/20

Dark, intense, beautiful red color. Delicate on the attack and rather suave mid-palate, the wine develops with savory, pleasant flavors, showing medium length and no harsh edges.