I am not convinced the 2000 La Fleur Petrus is going to eclipse the 1998, which performed even better in a recent tasting. Nevertheless, it is a terrific effort from this estate, sandwiched between the hallowed vineyards of Petrus and Lafleur. A deep plum/ruby color is followed by aromas of mocha, kirsch liqueur, loamy soil, spice box, and licorice. It is an opulent, medium to full-bodied, big, substantial yet elegant, precise Pomerol displaying beautiful purity. It is just beginning to drink well, and should continue to age for another 10+ years. One of the two bottles I tasted was corked.

This is a wonderful, dense wine, very concentrated, very intensely flavored. At this stage of its development, it is the opulence which is most evident, but there are already hints that it will show pure fruit alongside sweet tannins, and will develop complexity.——R.V.(6/1/2003)—— 94