I was at Mille Fleurs Restaurant's bar, and wanted a half-bottle of wine.  Like most restaurants around town, the selection of half bottles is pretty limited.  I saw a Chateau La Fleur from St. Emilion.  I thought this must be a misprint.  Everyone who considers themselves a fan of Bordeux wines knows that Chateau La Fleur is in Pomerol, and is one of the greatest wine estates in the world.  But the price of 40 dollars was a clue that this was not the real La Fleur of Pomerol.  The gal at the bar could not tell me whether this was a misprint or not.  Then I remembered.  There is a Chateau Lafleur ("Lafleur" as one word) that was distinct from Chateau La Fleur ("La Fleur" as two words.  The two wineries are unrelated, with La Fleur being in Pomerol and Lafleur being in St. Emilion.  La Fleur-St. Emilion is actually owned by Chateau Dassault, a great St. Emilion winery that produces early maturing high quality Bordeaux at a reasonable price.  A full 750 ml bottle of La Fleur retails at wine shops for about 25-30 dollars.  Restaurant prices, of course, are much higher.  The winery does carry Grand Cru Status in St. Emilion.  It is primarily Merlot, with some Cabernet Franc in the blend.

Well, I decided to try the Chateau La Fleur from St. Emilion, since I have never had it before, and I like the wines from Dassault.  The 2003 La Fleur was no disappointment.  It probably won't hit its peak of maturity for another 2-3 years, but it drinks very nicely now.  It has a nice dark plummy color, and a beautiful bouquet, reminiscent of some type of hybrid between a sweet California ultra-ripe cab and a more restrained Bordeaux.  It really works.  This wine shows quite precociously on the palate, with lots of sweet blueberry and currant jelly flavors, medium-soft tannin, and low acidity.  This is a great stand alone wine, and does not need food.  It would be great with light fare, or with a mid-day snack.  The wine will be even better in one to two years when the tannins soften further.

For the price, you really can't beat it. I have not seen it at the San Diego stores, but it is available at some of the bigger wine shops in LA and the Bay area, including the Wine Exchange and Hi Time Wines in Orange County, and K and L wine Shop in the Bay Area.  All are selling it for about $26.99.  Zachys in New York has it for $20 for a limited time sale.  These are all reputable wine shops and have large on-line ordering services.

3.5 stars

 

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