Chateaux La Fleur-Pétrus And Chateaux Bélair-Monange Tasting – Pomerol Vs St-Emilion

Bordeaux’s Right Bank is a realm where the alchemy of soil, grape, and tradition create liquid poetry. At the heart of this enchanting region, the Moueix family, synonymous with wine royalty, has been shaping the narrative of Bordeaux wines. My recent experience at the Moueix Masterclass, organized by Decanter during the London Fine Wine Encounter 2023, was nothing short of a revelation into this world of vinous aristocracy.

Edouard Moueix’s Tasting – A Symphony of Terroir and Tradition

Edouard Moueix, the maestro behind Vignobles Jean-Pierre Moueix, orchestrated a tasting that was both an education and a celebration. His selection from Chateaux Bélair-Monange and La Fleur-Pétrus included vintages like 2018, 2016, 2010, and the standout La Fleur-Pétrus 1998. This session was not just a tasting; it was a masterclass in understanding the influence of Pomerol’s gravel and St-Emilion’s limestone on these esteemed wines.

Château Bélair-Monange: The Crown Jewel of St-Emilion

Perched atop St-Emilion’s limestone plateau, Château Bélair-Monange, a Premier Grand Cru Classé estate, is a testament to the Moueix family’s vision and dedication. Since their arrival in 2008, they’ve revitalized this historic estate with significant renovations, both in the vineyards and cellars. The estate’s limestone plateau and clay-limestone slopes bestow upon its wines – predominantly Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Franc – a distinct minerality and elegance.

Château La Fleur-Pétrus: Pomerol’s Pinnacle of Elegance

In contrast, Château La Fleur-Pétrus, a beacon in the Pomerol appellation, embodies a different facet of the Moueix family’s viticultural prowess. Known for its gravel, clay, and ‘crasse de fer’ soils, the estate’s Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, produces wines that are rich, structured, and undeniably elegant.

A Comparative Tasting Across Vintages

The tasting journey traversed various vintages, each telling its unique story. The 2016 Château Bélair-Monange, with its robust tannins and mocha undertones, contrasted beautifully with the 2016 Château La Fleur-Pétrus, known for its velvety richness and earthy notes.

We started with the 2018 vintages from both estates. Château Bélair-Monange has deep ruby-purple hue, dark berries, and clove notes, is a celebration of this terroir. The Château La Fleur-Pétrus its dark ruby in color with aromas of ripe black fruits, is a testament to the estate’s commitment to expressing the essence of its terroir.

2018 Château Bélair-Monange, St-Émilion 1er Grand Cru Classé

Color: Deep ruby-purple

Nose: Dark berries, licorice, clove, and a hint of graphite

Palate: Full-bodied, with layered complexity, revealing flavors of black cherry, espresso, and a touch of minerality

Finish: Long and profound, with a well-defined structure and a lasting finish

My rating: 4.4 / 5.0

2018 Château La Fleur-Pétrus

Color: Dark ruby

Nose: Aromas of ripe black fruits, violet, and a subtle smoky note

Palate: Full-bodied and powerful, with blackcurrant, licorice, and a touch of vanilla

Finish: Long-lasting, with a solid structure and a lingering, fruit-filled finish

My rating: 4.5 / 5.0

We then went on to the 2016 vintages where the Château Bélair-Monange, with its robust tannins and mocha undertones, contrasted beautifully with the 2016 Château La Fleur-Pétrus, known for its velvety richness and earthy notes.

2016 Château Bélair-Monange, St-Émilion 1er Grand Cru Classé

Color: Deep ruby with a touch of purple

Nose: Complex aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and a hint of tobacco

Palate: Rich and structured, with concentrated dark fruits, mocha, and a spicy undertone

Finish: Extended, with robust tannins and a lingering note of dark chocolate

My rating: 4.3 / 5.0

2016 Château La Fleur-Pétrus

Color: Deep purple-red

Nose: Complex aromas of black cherry, spice, and a hint of oak

Palate: Rich and velvety, with layers of dark fruit, mocha, and a hint of earthiness

Finish: Extensive, with silky tannins and a deep, persistent finish

My rating: 4.7 / 5.0

The 2014 vintages from both estates displayed remarkable complexity and balance. Château Bélair-Monange offered a medium to full-bodied experience with elegant tannins, while Château La Fleur-Pétrus showcased a medium-bodied profile, characterized by its red berry flavors and mineral nuances.

2014 Château Bélair-Monange, St-Émilion 1er Grand Cru Classé

Color: dark ruby

Nose: Red berries, violet, and a touch of vanilla

Palate: Medium to full-bodied, with elegant tannins, displaying red fruit, a hint of chocolate, and earthy undertones

Finish: Long, with a graceful interplay of fruit and tannins

My rating: 4.3 / 5.0

2014 Château La Fleur-Pétrus

Color: Vibrant ruby-red

Nose: Red cherry, floral notes, and a touch of vanilla

Palate: Medium-bodied, elegant, with red berry flavors, a hint of chocolate, and a mineral nuance

Finish: Long, with refined tannins and a fresh, fruity aftertaste

My rating: 4.3 / 5.0

Rewinding further, the 2010 vintages from both estates stood out. Château Bélair-Monange, with its intense ruby color and flavors of blackcurrant and licorice, was matched in depth by Château La Fleur-Pétrus, whose deep ruby hue and concentrated dark fruit flavors were captivating.

2010 Château Bélair-Monange, St-Émilion 1er Grand Cru Classé

Color: Intense ruby

Nose: Aromas of red and black cherries, cedar, and a subtle floral note

Palate: Powerful yet refined, with flavors of blackcurrant, licorice, and a mineral edge

Finish: Exceptionally long, with firm tannins and a persistent fruit-driven aftertaste

My rating: 4.5 / 5.0

2010 Château La Fleur-Pétrus (4.6)

Color: Deep ruby

Nose: Blackberry, cassis, and a whisper of earthiness

Palate: Intense and full-bodied, with concentrated flavors of dark fruit, licorice, and a herbal hint

Finish: Lengthy, with a firm tannic backbone and a lingering complexity

My rating: 4.8 / 5.0

The 2009 vintages were a study in opulence and balance. Château Bélair-Monange’s blend of ripe dark fruits with a hint of spice and Château La Fleur-Pétrus’s raspberry and plum flavors underlined the unique characters of their respective terroirs.

2009 Château Bélair-Monange, St-Émilion 1er Grand Cru Classé

Color: Deep garnet

Nose: Rich bouquet of blackberry, plum, and a hint of truffle

Palate: Full-bodied, with velvety tannins, showcasing ripe dark fruits, a touch of spice, and earthy notes

Finish: Long and opulent, with a balance of fruit, acidity, and a hint of oak

My rating: 4.4 / 5.0

2009 Château La Fleur-Pétrus

Color: Rich garnet

Nose: A bouquet of ripe red fruits, truffle, and a hint of oak

Palate: Opulent and silky, with flavors of raspberry, plum, and a touch of spice

Finish: Long and luxurious, with smooth tannins and a persistent fruity finish

My rating: 4.6 / 5.0

However, it was the 1998 Château La Fleur-Pétrus that stole the show. Its mature character, with evolved aromas of dried red fruits and a hint of forest floor, was a beautiful reminder of how gracefully Bordeaux wines can age.

1998 Château La Fleur-Pétrus

Color: Rich garnet

Nose: Evolved aromas of dried red fruits, leather, and a hint of forest floor

Palate: Medium-bodied, with softened tannins, flavors of stewed cherry, tobacco, and a bit of spice

Finish: Long, with a mature, savory character and a touch of dried fruit

My rating: 4.8 / 5.0 – so beautiful!

This masterclass was more than just a tasting; it was a journey through time and terroir. Edouard Moueix, with his expert selection, offered a vivid illustration of how different soils – gravel in Pomerol and limestone in St-Emilion – sculpt the profiles of these exceptional wines. Each vintage from Château Bélair-Monange and Château La Fleur-Pétrus was a testament to the craftsmanship and legacy of Bordeaux’s Right Bank, a true celebration of the art of winemaking.