Chateau Lafleur, Pomerol 2006

The 2006 Lafleur, which I had not tasted from bottle before this visit, merits 95 points. One of the vintage’s most brilliant wines, this blend of 61% Merlot and 39% Cabernet Franc is neither as dense nor complete as 2008, but it is structured, closed, and austere as are many 2006s at present). It reveals a plum/purple colour, a beautifully sweet nose of black and red fruits intermixed with incense, and a steely/iron-like smell.

More open on the palate than the 2008, with more obvious spice and earthy undertones, this powerful Lafleur should be drinkable in 5-7 years, lasting three decades. The tiny Lafleur vineyard, 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.

Drink 2014 - 2044

On the nose, this shows many of the floral and dark berry notes of the 2005, but they are less intense. Full and silky, with beautiful juicy fruit on the palate and a long, delicate finish. I love how this prepares your palate for pleasure. Don’t touch this until 2015. Find the wine.

Good, full, deep red. Brooding aromas of black cherry, cherry pit, and liquorice, plus a note that reminded me of a liqueur of flowers. Sweet, chewy, and very ripe, but with restraint and focus on the youthful, mineral-driven flavours of dark fruits, liquorice, and pepper. This shows the cooler, medicinal cast of a classic young Lafleur, and although almost surprisingly silky now, it really calls for extended cellaring.

Hold 3 years or carafe for 2 hours.

Plenty of substance here, such as seductive black fruits and dark spices, if a little tight and extracted on the finish. But there is plenty of appeal and, again, an emphasis on textured and silky, powerful black cherry and bilberry fruits that place you firmly in the best part of Pomerol. Low yields of around 35hl/h. 100% new oak and you can feel it in some of the grilled clove and pepper on the finish.

Drink 2021 - 2040

The 2006 Lafleur is a vintage that I have not encountered for a little while. It is similar to how it tasted at a decade old, with wild strawberry, blackberry, and hints of cooked meat on the nose, but still pretty backwards and needs time to meld fully. The palate is medium-bodied with still a slightly coarse entry that I don't think would be accepted by Baptiste Guinaudeau today, slightly tarry toward a dense and somewhat muscular finish. Maybe it's just missing Lafleur's usual charm? Yet it's still an impressive Pomerol that requires more cellaring.

Drink 2028 - 2048