It’s quite possible that Château La Fleur-Pétrus may have the most prestigious neighbors in all of Pomerol. Abutting the delicate Château Lafleur while also being a mere hop-skip to the renowned Château Pétrus, this classic estate has a history dating back to the 18th century. The château has been owned by several families over the centuries, including the Constant, Arnaud, Garret, and Pineau, with Jean Pierre Moueix of the négoçiant house Établissements Jean-Pierre Moueix buying the property in 1953. Taking its name from its extraordinary surroundings, the 47-acre La Fleur-Pétrus is dominated by 91% Merlot, with Cabernet France at 6% and Petit Verdot at 3%. Located on the Pomerol plateau, the vineyard is composed of three parcels with diverse terroirs: the gravelly soil to the north yields a refined, cherry-infused wine; the clay to the south produces a more dense, structured fruit; and the center plot, known as “Tropchaud,” or “Too Hot,” because of its higher summer temperatures, produces a supple, plum-based product. When combined, these three terroirs bring the fine wine world a remarkably finessed, elegant, deep and complex jewel that offers strong touches of black fruit with the slightest bouquet of violet. You might say that La Fleur-Pétrus wrote the book on aging gracefully. It is best enjoyed after maturing for as many as 10 to 30 years; however, for those less patient, many vintages are incredibly satisfying after a mere eight. When it comes to La Fleur-Pétrus, good things come to those who wait.