Lafleur 2001

The 2001 Lafleur was a significant vintage in that it marked the entrance of Baptiste and Julie Guinaudeau, albeit on a part-time basis. I have always adored this vintage that lies in the shadow of the millennial vintage, although it is cut from a completely different cloth. This has an exquisite bouquet with expressive, vivid scents of black plum, bay leaf and pressed violets, the Merlot heightened over the Cabernet Franc with bottle age. The palate is medium-bodied with vivacious blackberry and raspberry fruit, energetic and tensile with wonderful precision, less glossy than its bottle counterparts. Now just entering its drinking window, this is a very seductive and life-affirming Lafleur that will be difficult to resist. Tasted from ex-château magnum at Kate & Kon's 40-Year vertical in Austria. 2028 - 2055

Performing slightly less impressively from bottle than it did from cask, this wine’s Cabernet Franc element has come forward, revealing a distinctive herbal, bell pepper, vegetal character that kept my score from going higher. Nevertheless, there is plenty to like about this 2001 Pomerol. It possesses a saturated ruby/purple color, powerful aromas (kirsch liqueur, raspberries, and blackberries), an earthy, muscular, chunky character, and the most tannic personality of any Pomerol I tasted. While not the huge blockbuster Lafleur can often produce, it is well-built. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019.

Fabulous. Long and enticing on the palate. Shows wonderful promise.

Rich and velvety look. Warm and rich on the nose. Very sweet and consoling. Round and gentle – caressing. Slightly dry tannins on the finsh so that the whole effect is slightly ungainly but certainy rewarding in a hot chocolate sort of way.