The 2006 Lafleur is a vintage that I have not encountered for a little while. It is similar to how it tasted at a decade old with wild strawberry, blackberry and hints of cooked meat on the nose, still pretty backward and needing time to meld fully. The palate is medium-bodied with still a slightly coarse entry that I don't think would be accepted by Baptiste Guinaudeau today, slightly tarry toward a dense and somewhat muscular finish. Maybe it's just missing Lafleur's usual charm? Yet it's still an impressive Pomerol that requires more cellaring. Tasted at 67 Pall Mall for The Complete Bordeaux Vintage Guide dinner. (Neal Martin, Vinous, December 2023)
The 2006 Lafleur is a vintage that I have not encountered for a little while. It is similar to how it tasted at a decade old with wild strawberry, blackberry and hints of cooked meat on the nose, still pretty backward and needing time to meld fully. The palate is medium-bodied with still a slightly coarse entry that I don't think would be accepted by Baptiste Guinaudeau today, slightly tarry toward a dense and somewhat muscular finish. Maybe it's just missing Lafleur's usual charm? Yet it's still an impressive Pomerol that requires more cellaring. Tasted at 67 Pall Mall for The Complete Bordeaux Vintage Guide dinner. (Neal Martin, Vinous, December 2023)
Jan 10th, 2024
The first of three Lafleur vintages. Quite a tiny Vineyard at only 3.75 hectares or 9.26 acres. Blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Franc. Lafleur owes its reputation to the complexity of its terroir. Mainly Gravel on clay and sandy clay it varies across the property into 4 sub-sections which are picked and vinified separately. An annual production of around 1000 dozen. The 2006 is dense, restrained and subtle with a long life ahead. Precise round and generous. Imperious - brilliant wine. Touch of dark chocolate. Our host said that Lafleur has to be caught at the right time whereas Petrus is more forgiving. Probably because of the tiny size of Lafleur.
The first of three Lafleur vintages. Quite a tiny Vineyard at only 3.75 hectares or 9.26 acres. Blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Franc. Lafleur owes its reputation to the complexity of its terroir. Mainly Gravel on clay and sandy clay it varies across the property into 4 sub-sections which are picked and vinified separately. An annual production of around 1000 dozen. The 2006 is dense, restrained and subtle with a long life ahead. Precise round and generous. Imperious - brilliant wine. Touch of dark chocolate. Our host said that Lafleur has to be caught at the right time whereas Petrus is more forgiving. Probably because of the tiny size of Lafleur.
Sep 12th, 2018
Pomerol, Libournais, Bordeaux, France
