Lafleur 2008

The 2008 Lafleur, a blend of 54% Cabernet Franc and 46% Merlot, offers extraordinarily pure notes of raspberries, kirsch, flowers, and subtle forest floor nuances. A wine of exceptional purity and full-bodied intensity that remains light on its feet because of its fresh acids and lower pH, it represents a denser, more complete version of the 1988 and 1996. Built for the long haul, purchasers will need at least a decade of patience before pulling a cork. It should keep for 40-50 years thereafter.The tiny Lafleur vineyard, which was harvested between October 8-14, produced a wine with an atypically high percentage of Cabernet Franc. Proprietor Guinadeau stated that the Cabernet Franc was among the finest he had ever harvested.

Tasted with Baptiste Guinaudeau, the 2008 Lafleur is a wine for which I have a lot of time, and as it approaches a decade old, it is beginning to loosen up a little. There is plenty of fruit on the nose—more than I have encountered on previous bottles, with a mixture of red and black fruit—and a hint of bell pepper and sage. The main difference is that those previously rigid tannin have loosened their collar in recent months; therefore, this Lafleur is now entertaining the notion of drinkability. There remains a linearity to this Lafleur—and there is still that backbone—yet it seems to flow nicely across the mouth, and there is superb mineralité on the finish. It's probably destined to be overshadowed by the succeeding two vintages, but I suggest you do not overlook the 2008 Lafleur.Drink Date 2020 - 2050

Tasted ex-château and single blind in Southwold. The Lafleur 2008 has a ripe mulberry, plum and earthy nose, initially quite lifted but cowering into its shell, as if it had suddenly remembered that Lafleur does not open up for 15-20 years. The palate is medium-bodied with thick, chewy, almost abrasive tannins that will need many years to soften. Of course, it is still very tight and to be frank, not very enjoyable at the moment (hence I scored it down in blind.) Very closed on the finish - broody and introspective. It is a quintessential Lafleur, tough as old boots...but so charismatic! Tasted January 2012.

A blend of 46% Merlot and 56% Cabernet Franc harvested 4-6th October 14th September until 5th October. Here we have one of those Lafleur's with a sulky, reticent nose, but that does not presage a poor wine, rather one that does not need to give everything away prematurely. The nose is tight at first and takes time to unfurl, very broody with touches of oyster shell and cockle sheds. The palate is full-bodied, again demonstrating that "controlled power", silky smooth tannins, very sensuous but belying the persistency and puissance towards the finish. An almost digestive aftertaste. A cerebral Lafleur for long-terms cellaring. Tasted April 2009.