Pensees de Lafleur, Pomerol 2016

A touch of gunsmoke reduction on opening, clearing to show superb dark fruit character, fragrant floral aromatics and a ton of luscious juicy tannins. This is right up there, vying for its place alongside many 1st wine 2016s in Pomerol that I have tasted today. Absolutely delicious, so creamy and yet so taut, hawthorn, cassis, black cherry and grilled vanilla bean. In a sweet spot but will age. Baptiste and Julie Guinaudeau owners.

The 2016 Pensées de Lafleur puts in a very impressive showing. Black fruit, a hint of ash, black truffle and subtle marine scents feel very focused and assured. Lovely delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannins that outshine some of the Grand Vins poured at this Pomerol-themed dinner. Harmonious with a silky finish that belies its structure, this represents a marvellous Pensées. Tasted at the Pomerol dinner at Club Bâtard, Hong Kong.

The 2016 Pensées de Lafleur is a flat out stunning second wine. Black cherry, plum, chocolate and leather are some of the many notes that fill out the wine's layers. Today, the Pensées comes across as surprisingly dark and powerful. This is a very serious second wine. Accordingly, readers should plan on cellaring it for at least a few years.

Blended of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Pensées de Lafleur opens with bold, tantalizing notes of crushed black cherries, wild blueberries and plum preserves with hints of kirsch, violets, dark chocolate and licorice with a waft of forest floor. Medium-bodied, the palate is amazingly elegant for the intensity of fruit with beautifully ripe, finely grained tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long and layered.