Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > Pomerol |
Colour | Red |
Type | Still |
An austerely-styled Lafleur, the 2002 possesses high tannin, a dark ruby/purple color, an angular personality, sweet mineral-infused black cherry fruit, dusty tannins, and considerable grip and structure. There is a certain nobility to the aromatics and flavors, but the dry, hard tannins are cause for concern. Keep a rabbit’s foot in your back pocket if you are going to buy this wine, as I have severe reservations about whether it will ever come into balance. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016?
Tasted from an ex-chateau bottle at the Lafleur vertical dinner at Attersee in Austria. The 2002 Lafleur appeared to go into its shell for a few years, however this is the best bottle that I have encountered for some while. It has wonderful definition and vivacity on the nose with scents of blackberry and truffle – subtle notes of dried blood in the background coming from the Cabernet Franc. The palate is medium-bodied and seems to have softened just a little in recent years. There is impressive weight here, real presence in the mouth. Blackberry, graphite and bay leaf inform the middle and finish that is still a little foursquare, but has real vivacity. You sense that this Lafleur is only just beginning to show what it can do. Tasted June 2012.
Drink 2011-20 Very easy and round and lively. Lots of sweetness. A bit chewy, a bit taut. Like Le Pin, a bit tarter than most.
Somewhat of a revelation in a vintage that was obviously difficult in this appellation, Lafleur’s 2002 represents the essence of old vines with structured, deep, concentrated flavors. This medium-bodied, dense ruby/purple-colored effort exhibits impressive purity as well as a persistent, long palate offering a kiss of sweet kirsch and licorice. Some jagged tannin needs to be resolved if this wine is to merit a score in the low nineties. However, it will be very long-lived, especially for a Pomerol. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2025
Tasted blind at Farr's 2002 Bordeaux tasting. This has a very intense nose, smoke with cooked meats/savoury quality emanating from some lovely Cabernet Franc. Just a faint mote of stewed black tea in the background, but fresh and with great clarity. The Cabernet Franc dominates the entry, firm structure, tarry with graphite interlacing the sturdy, stoic finish, yet there remains outstanding focus and precision. This is worth cellaring this for a few years as you never know what Lafleur may conjure up in the cellar.