Pomerol is packed with more bonafide superstar names than an Oscars guest list. But three shine brighter than the rest; Pétrus and Le Pin steal all the headlines, but you’re here to read about the quiet genius of Château Lafleur.
Less than half the size of Pétrus, only around 1,000 cases are made each year making it extremely challenging to come by. An “all-time favourite Bordeaux wine” for Robert Parker, there aren’t enough superlatives to describe the quality, consistency or collectability of this winery. However, what makes it quite different from its illustrious neighbours is its almost equal composition of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, producing deep, dense wines with heavenly structure and wonderful aromatics.
When it comes to the 1989 vintage, the reviews from the world’s leading critics speak for themselves…
99 points, “I am almost always in awe of Lafleur and this is one of the best. This is so subtle at first, but then the enchanting aromas of olive leaves, ivy, liquorice, tar and treacle wash over you. In your mouth it's as if you're putting exquisite, dusty velvet inside; the tannins make this wine round, fat and encompassing. Perhaps most startling of all is the freshness retained over the years despite the intense, dense fruit. It allows not only for a chewy finish, but one that makes you want to drink more. This has reached a plateau now and is perfect for drinking, though its tightly-knit structure implies yet more potential cellaring. I've always been a believer in the 1989 vintage, and Lafleur is one of the best. Decant two hours in advance.” – James Suckling
98 points, “There is just enormous weight and dimension, a juggernaut of a Pomerol. This bottle shows hints of dried blood, green tea and dried blood. It fans out wonderfully on the finish – a multidimensional wine that always leaves you lost for words. It is the kind of wine you fear would stalk you down a dark alley at night.” – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
97 points, “Tasted at the Pomerol Comparative Exploration tasting in London, the 1989 Lafleur was perhaps the real surprise of a memorable evening of wine. What comes across on the nose is the detail, the precision with pure black fruit, crushed minerals, subtle floral scents and a palpable sense of energy. It evolves in the glass, later revealing smoke, Italian cured meats and a touch of bay leaf. The palate is simply crystalline with pitch perfect acidity, astonishing precision and laser-like focus that takes your breath away. I have never encountered a 1989 Lafleur with this detail and clarity, a wine that seems to improve every time I encounter it, which is regrettably once in a blue moon. Whilst I do not think the 1989 will surpass the 1982 Lafleur, my God, it is coming damn close.” – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
SKU No.: 393740
Style No.: 110341
Region: Bordeaux
Grapes: Cabernet Franc,Merlot
Closure: Cork
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 13%
Volume: 750ml
Allergens: Sulphites
Pomerol is packed with more bonafide superstar names than an Oscars guest list. But three shine brighter than the rest; Pétrus and Le Pin steal all the headlines, but you’re here to read about the quiet genius of Château Lafleur.
Less than half the size of Pétrus, only around 1,000 cases are made each year making it extremely challenging to come by. An “all-time favourite Bordeaux wine” for Robert Parker, there aren’t enough superlatives to describe the quality, consistency or collectability of this winery. However, what makes it quite different from its illustrious neighbours is its almost equal composition of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, producing deep, dense wines with heavenly structure and wonderful aromatics.
When it comes to the 1989 vintage, the reviews from the world’s leading critics speak for themselves…
99 points, “I am almost always in awe of Lafleur and this is one of the best. This is so subtle at first, but then the enchanting aromas of olive leaves, ivy, liquorice, tar and treacle wash over you. In your mouth it's as if you're putting exquisite, dusty velvet inside; the tannins make this wine round, fat and encompassing. Perhaps most startling of all is the freshness retained over the years despite the intense, dense fruit. It allows not only for a chewy finish, but one that makes you want to drink more. This has reached a plateau now and is perfect for drinking, though its tightly-knit structure implies yet more potential cellaring. I've always been a believer in the 1989 vintage, and Lafleur is one of the best. Decant two hours in advance.” – James Suckling
98 points, “There is just enormous weight and dimension, a juggernaut of a Pomerol. This bottle shows hints of dried blood, green tea and dried blood. It fans out wonderfully on the finish – a multidimensional wine that always leaves you lost for words. It is the kind of wine you fear would stalk you down a dark alley at night.” – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
97 points, “Tasted at the Pomerol Comparative Exploration tasting in London, the 1989 Lafleur was perhaps the real surprise of a memorable evening of wine. What comes across on the nose is the detail, the precision with pure black fruit, crushed minerals, subtle floral scents and a palpable sense of energy. It evolves in the glass, later revealing smoke, Italian cured meats and a touch of bay leaf. The palate is simply crystalline with pitch perfect acidity, astonishing precision and laser-like focus that takes your breath away. I have never encountered a 1989 Lafleur with this detail and clarity, a wine that seems to improve every time I encounter it, which is regrettably once in a blue moon. Whilst I do not think the 1989 will surpass the 1982 Lafleur, my God, it is coming damn close.” – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
SKU No.: 393740
Style No.: 110341