Tasting Notes
Vinous 95
I have tasted the 2009 Lafleur several times, but on this occasion it is surpassed by not only the 2010, but the 2008. It doesn’t quite have the delineation of those vintages, powerful and burly on the nose with a mixture of blueberry and blackberry, not as ferrous as previous bottles, but just requiring a little more delineation. The palate has weight and concentration in spades, lacquering the mouth with tannins. This gargantuan Lafleur delivers in dimension, but is not as sophisticated as other vintages. More impressive than classy by Lafleur’s standards. Tasted from ex-chateau magnum at Kate & Kon’s 40-Year vertical in Austria.
Anticipated maturity: 2032-2065
JancisRobinson.com 19/20
Tasted blind. Some savour. Fresh and racy, very sleek " with ‘cashmere tannins’. Polished and fun to drink already. Lots of persistence.
Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040
Robert Parker 98
Served blind at the Southwold 2009 tasting. I suspected this was Lafleur merely because it was so damn broody under blind conditions. The 2009 is far more conservative on the nose than its peers: tightly coiled, earthy black fruits, mint, rose petals and Asian spices beginning to emerge. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp, taut tannins. There is great focus and tension here, but it is surly and backward with a penetrating, graphite-tinged finish. Could the 2009 finally be closing down like the 2005? It will last decades, not years. Tasted January 2013.
