24x Chateau Lafleur (1986-2020)

Tasted Saturday, May 10, 2025 by Cailles with 397 views

Flight 1 (24 Notes)

  • 1986 Château Lafleur 86 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    All wines were tasted blind, none of the wines were decanted. A rare opportunity to taste such a broad lineup of Chateau Lafleur, especially covering nearly every recent vintage side by side. This was a tale of two parts. Wines from before 2010 were inconsistent, often marked by drying tannins or bitter edges, a problem seen in many Right Bank wines from the 2000s. In contrast, almost everything from 2010 onward showed a clear step up: greater depth, much purer fruit, ripeness well in check, and superb freshness. The textures became finer, the wines more refined and ethereal. This stylistic shift seems closely linked to the technical changes introduced post-2013, which clearly elevated the wines to a new level. The more recent vintages certainly are among the most finesse-driven, airy right bank wines. The best wine was 2016 (98pts), followed by 2010, 2015, and 2020 (97pts).

    TN: This is past peak and no longer showing well. There are some coffee notes and a touch of sweetness but not much aromatic expression remains. Not interesting anymore.

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  • 1989 Château Lafleur 82 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    All wines were tasted blind, none of the wines were decanted. A rare opportunity to taste such a broad lineup of Chateau Lafleur, especially covering nearly every recent vintage side by side. This was a tale of two parts. Wines from before 2010 were inconsistent, often marked by drying tannins or bitter edges, a problem seen in many Right Bank wines from the 2000s. In contrast, almost everything from 2010 onward showed a clear step up: greater depth, much purer fruit, ripeness well in check, and superb freshness. The textures became finer, the wines more refined and ethereal. This stylistic shift seems closely linked to the technical changes introduced post-2013, which clearly elevated the wines to a new level. The more recent vintages certainly are among the most finesse-driven, airy right bank wines. The best wine was 2016 (98pts), followed by 2010, 2015, and 2020 (97pts).

    TN: A bit muted on the nose and already seems tired. The palate is better with leather and tobacco on the attack but no fruit left. The structure is fine and there are no oxidation notes initially, but this wine is clearly past its peak. With time, oxidation emerged more strongly. Provenance was excellent, so this was a sad showing given the high expectations. Not a good bottle.

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  • 1998 Château Lafleur 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    All wines were tasted blind, none of the wines were decanted. A rare opportunity to taste such a broad lineup of Chateau Lafleur, especially covering nearly every recent vintage side by side. This was a tale of two parts. Wines from before 2010 were inconsistent, often marked by drying tannins or bitter edges, a problem seen in many Right Bank wines from the 2000s. In contrast, almost everything from 2010 onward showed a clear step up: greater depth, much purer fruit, ripeness well in check, and superb freshness. The textures became finer, the wines more refined and ethereal. This stylistic shift seems closely linked to the technical changes introduced post-2013, which clearly elevated the wines to a new level. The more recent vintages certainly are among the most finesse-driven, airy right bank wines. The best wine was 2016 (98pts), followed by 2010, 2015, and 2020 (97pts).

    TN: Ripe fruit with cola, dark red berries and a polished but slightly candied nose. On the palate this is light and somewhat hollow with red and darker fruit, lots of herbs, and a touch of bitterness on the finish. The tannins are fine but the wine became increasingly drying over time. Not a success and a surprising disappointment.

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  • 1999 Château Lafleur 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    All wines were tasted blind, none of the wines were decanted. A rare opportunity to taste such a broad lineup of Chateau Lafleur, especially covering nearly every recent vintage side by side. This was a tale of two parts. Wines from before 2010 were inconsistent, often marked by drying tannins or bitter edges, a problem seen in many Right Bank wines from the 2000s. In contrast, almost everything from 2010 onward showed a clear step up: greater depth, much purer fruit, ripeness well in check, and superb freshness. The textures became finer, the wines more refined and ethereal. This stylistic shift seems closely linked to the technical changes introduced post-2013, which clearly elevated the wines to a new level. The more recent vintages certainly are among the most finesse-driven, airy right bank wines. The best wine was 2016 (98pts), followed by 2010, 2015, and 2020 (97pts).

    TN: A beautiful medium-expressive nose with ripe red fruit. On the palate this wine is hollow, with touches of coffee and herbs but lacking substance. The structure is fine and the wine is overall pleasant, but not great

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  • 2000 Château Lafleur 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    All wines were tasted blind, none of the wines were decanted. A rare opportunity to taste such a broad lineup of Chateau Lafleur, especially covering nearly every recent vintage side by side. This was a tale of two parts. Wines from before 2010 were inconsistent, often marked by drying tannins or bitter edges, a problem seen in many Right Bank wines from the 2000s. In contrast, almost everything from 2010 onward showed a clear step up: greater depth, much purer fruit, ripeness well in check, and superb freshness. The textures became finer, the wines more refined and ethereal. This stylistic shift seems closely linked to the technical changes introduced post-2013, which clearly elevated the wines to a new level. The more recent vintages certainly are among the most finesse-driven, airy right bank wines. The best wine was 2016 (98pts), followed by 2010, 2015, and 2020 (97pts).

    TN: The nose is very intriguing and seductive, full of coffee and quite typical for Cheval. On the palate this is dominated by luxurious oak and coffee, with some red fruit and herbs underneath. Only with air does the fruit start to emerge and bring better balance. The structure is fine with good freshness and no excess ripeness. An enjoyable bottle

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  • 2001 Château Lafleur 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    All wines were tasted blind, none of the wines were decanted. A rare opportunity to taste such a broad lineup of Chateau Lafleur, especially covering nearly every recent vintage side by side. This was a tale of two parts. Wines from before 2010 were inconsistent, often marked by drying tannins or bitter edges, a problem seen in many Right Bank wines from the 2000s. In contrast, almost everything from 2010 onward showed a clear step up: greater depth, much purer fruit, ripeness well in check, and superb freshness. The textures became finer, the wines more refined and ethereal. This stylistic shift seems closely linked to the technical changes introduced post-2013, which clearly elevated the wines to a new level. The more recent vintages certainly are among the most finesse-driven, airy right bank wines. The best wine was 2016 (98pts), followed by 2010, 2015, and 2020 (97pts).

    TN: The nose is unique and floral with a honeyed note reminiscent of an Alpine plant. On the palate the wine shows quite dark red and some black fruit, herbs, and tobacco. It feels dense but not overly complex. Fine tannins with a slightly bitter and drying finish. Scored mainly for the intriguing nose.

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  • 2002 Château Lafleur 86 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    All wines were tasted blind, none of the wines were decanted. A rare opportunity to taste such a broad lineup of Chateau Lafleur, especially covering nearly every recent vintage side by side. This was a tale of two parts. Wines from before 2010 were inconsistent, often marked by drying tannins or bitter edges, a problem seen in many Right Bank wines from the 2000s. In contrast, almost everything from 2010 onward showed a clear step up: greater depth, much purer fruit, ripeness well in check, and superb freshness. The textures became finer, the wines more refined and ethereal. This stylistic shift seems closely linked to the technical changes introduced post-2013, which clearly elevated the wines to a new level. The more recent vintages certainly are among the most finesse-driven, airy right bank wines. The best wine was 2016 (98pts), followed by 2010, 2015, and 2020 (97pts).

    TN: The best nose in the second flight, with fine candied red berries at the core. However, the wine is monolithic aromatically and on the palate it is thin, lacking fruit to balance the noticeable greenness. The mid-palate and finish are dominated by drying tannins and bitterness.

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  • 2003 Château Lafleur 95 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    All wines were tasted blind, none of the wines were decanted. A rare opportunity to taste such a broad lineup of Chateau Lafleur, especially covering nearly every recent vintage side by side. This was a tale of two parts. Wines from before 2010 were inconsistent, often marked by drying tannins or bitter edges, a problem seen in many Right Bank wines from the 2000s. In contrast, almost everything from 2010 onward showed a clear step up: greater depth, much purer fruit, ripeness well in check, and superb freshness. The textures became finer, the wines more refined and ethereal. This stylistic shift seems closely linked to the technical changes introduced post-2013, which clearly elevated the wines to a new level. The more recent vintages certainly are among the most finesse-driven, airy right bank wines. The best wine was 2016 (98pts), followed by 2010, 2015, and 2020 (97pts).

    TN: Dark red berries, cola and herbs dominate the medium-expressive nose. With time, more toast and caramel appear. The palate is fresh and fine, with red berries, cola, herbs and some toffee. This wine is delicate and well-balanced, with superb freshness. A surprising success and the best Lafleur 2000s bottle on this night.

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  • 2004 Château Lafleur 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    All wines were tasted blind, none of the wines were decanted. A rare opportunity to taste such a broad lineup of Chateau Lafleur, especially covering nearly every recent vintage side by side. This was a tale of two parts. Wines from before 2010 were inconsistent, often marked by drying tannins or bitter edges, a problem seen in many Right Bank wines from the 2000s. In contrast, almost everything from 2010 onward showed a clear step up: greater depth, much purer fruit, ripeness well in check, and superb freshness. The textures became finer, the wines more refined and ethereal. This stylistic shift seems closely linked to the technical changes introduced post-2013, which clearly elevated the wines to a new level. The more recent vintages certainly are among the most finesse-driven, airy right bank wines. The best wine was 2016 (98pts), followed by 2010, 2015, and 2020 (97pts).

    TN: The nose is not very interesting and shows some green and unbalanced aromas. The palate is much better with toast, red fruit, toffee and a touch of minerality. Pleasant to drink with good acidity and fine tannins. A fine wine for an off-vintage, with well-measured toasted oak adding charm.

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  • 2005 Château Lafleur 89 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    All wines were tasted blind, none of the wines were decanted. A rare opportunity to taste such a broad lineup of Chateau Lafleur, especially covering nearly every recent vintage side by side. This was a tale of two parts. Wines from before 2010 were inconsistent, often marked by drying tannins or bitter edges, a problem seen in many Right Bank wines from the 2000s. In contrast, almost everything from 2010 onward showed a clear step up: greater depth, much purer fruit, ripeness well in check, and superb freshness. The textures became finer, the wines more refined and ethereal. This stylistic shift seems closely linked to the technical changes introduced post-2013, which clearly elevated the wines to a new level. The more recent vintages certainly are among the most finesse-driven, airy right bank wines. The best wine was 2016 (98pts), followed by 2010, 2015, and 2020 (97pts).

    TN: The nose is dark, dense and slightly bretty without great definition. On the palate the wine is dense and very dark-fruited with notes of coffee, minerality and herbs. It lacks aromatic depth and feels closed and somewhat boring. There is substance here and likely upside, but today it lacks the airiness of recent vintages. A typical 2005 (lots of substance, not remotely ready to drink).

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  • 2006 Château Lafleur 86 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    All wines were tasted blind, none of the wines were decanted. A rare opportunity to taste such a broad lineup of Chateau Lafleur, especially covering nearly every recent vintage side by side. This was a tale of two parts. Wines from before 2010 were inconsistent, often marked by drying tannins or bitter edges, a problem seen in many Right Bank wines from the 2000s. In contrast, almost everything from 2010 onward showed a clear step up: greater depth, much purer fruit, ripeness well in check, and superb freshness. The textures became finer, the wines more refined and ethereal. This stylistic shift seems closely linked to the technical changes introduced post-2013, which clearly elevated the wines to a new level. The more recent vintages certainly are among the most finesse-driven, airy right bank wines. The best wine was 2016 (98pts), followed by 2010, 2015, and 2020 (97pts).

    TN: The nose is muted and the wine feels dense and locked. On the palate red and blue fruit emerge with minerality, tobacco and a touch of brett. The structure is fine and the freshness is good but the wine became increasingly drying towards the finish. Promising, but disappointing on the night.

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  • 2008 Château Lafleur 86 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    All wines were tasted blind, none of the wines were decanted. A rare opportunity to taste such a broad lineup of Chateau Lafleur, especially covering nearly every recent vintage side by side. This was a tale of two parts. Wines from before 2010 were inconsistent, often marked by drying tannins or bitter edges, a problem seen in many Right Bank wines from the 2000s. In contrast, almost everything from 2010 onward showed a clear step up: greater depth, much purer fruit, ripeness well in check, and superb freshness. The textures became finer, the wines more refined and ethereal. This stylistic shift seems closely linked to the technical changes introduced post-2013, which clearly elevated the wines to a new level. The more recent vintages certainly are among the most finesse-driven, airy right bank wines. The best wine was 2016 (98pts), followed by 2010, 2015, and 2020 (97pts).

    TN: Locked and slightly green on the nose. On the palate the wine is slightly unbalanced and bitter, with good freshness but harsh tannins. A difficult wine that shows the challenges of the vintage.

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  • 2009 Château Lafleur 94 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    All wines were tasted blind, none of the wines were decanted. A rare opportunity to taste such a broad lineup of Chateau Lafleur, especially covering nearly every recent vintage side by side. This was a tale of two parts. Wines from before 2010 were inconsistent, often marked by drying tannins or bitter edges, a problem seen in many Right Bank wines from the 2000s. In contrast, almost everything from 2010 onward showed a clear step up: greater depth, much purer fruit, ripeness well in check, and superb freshness. The textures became finer, the wines more refined and ethereal. This stylistic shift seems closely linked to the technical changes introduced post-2013, which clearly elevated the wines to a new level. The more recent vintages certainly are among the most finesse-driven, airy right bank wines. The best wine was 2016 (98pts), followed by 2010, 2015, and 2020 (97pts).

    TN: A seductive nose with luxurious red fruit, cola and fine oak. The palate follows with fresh red and blue fruit, herbs, cola, and menthol. The wine is complex and well-balanced with a fine structure. It got slightly dry towards the finish, but overall showed very well.

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  • 2010 Château Lafleur 97 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    All wines were tasted blind, none of the wines were decanted. A rare opportunity to taste such a broad lineup of Chateau Lafleur, especially covering nearly every recent vintage side by side. This was a tale of two parts. Wines from before 2010 were inconsistent, often marked by drying tannins or bitter edges, a problem seen in many Right Bank wines from the 2000s. In contrast, almost everything from 2010 onward showed a clear step up: greater depth, much purer fruit, ripeness well in check, and superb freshness. The textures became finer, the wines more refined and ethereal. This stylistic shift seems closely linked to the technical changes introduced post-2013, which clearly elevated the wines to a new level. The more recent vintages certainly are among the most finesse-driven, airy right bank wines. The best wine was 2016 (98pts), followed by 2010, 2015, and 2020 (97pts).

    TN: Expressive red and blue fruit on the nose, with notes of cola and menthol. The palate is very fresh with red fruit, blue fruit, herbs, cola and caramel. It is fine, round, and perfectly balanced with no excess weight. A great showing, deep, pure, harmonious, with that perfect marriage of the 2010 ripeness, with incredibly freshness keeping the wine light and almost airy.

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  • 2011 Château Lafleur 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    All wines were tasted blind, none of the wines were decanted. A rare opportunity to taste such a broad lineup of Chateau Lafleur, especially covering nearly every recent vintage side by side. This was a tale of two parts. Wines from before 2010 were inconsistent, often marked by drying tannins or bitter edges, a problem seen in many Right Bank wines from the 2000s. In contrast, almost everything from 2010 onward showed a clear step up: greater depth, much purer fruit, ripeness well in check, and superb freshness. The textures became finer, the wines more refined and ethereal. This stylistic shift seems closely linked to the technical changes introduced post-2013, which clearly elevated the wines to a new level. The more recent vintages certainly are among the most finesse-driven, airy right bank wines. The best wine was 2016 (98pts), followed by 2010, 2015, and 2020 (97pts).

    TN: A medium-expressive nose with red and blue fruit. The palate is fine, with herbs, minerality and fresh fruit. It lacks some depth but has a solid structure and is drinking well today.

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  • 2012 Château Lafleur 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    All wines were tasted blind, none of the wines were decanted. A rare opportunity to taste such a broad lineup of Chateau Lafleur, especially covering nearly every recent vintage side by side. This was a tale of two parts. Wines from before 2010 were inconsistent, often marked by drying tannins or bitter edges, a problem seen in many Right Bank wines from the 2000s. In contrast, almost everything from 2010 onward showed a clear step up: greater depth, much purer fruit, ripeness well in check, and superb freshness. The textures became finer, the wines more refined and ethereal. This stylistic shift seems closely linked to the technical changes introduced post-2013, which clearly elevated the wines to a new level. The more recent vintages certainly are among the most finesse-driven, airy right bank wines. The best wine was 2016 (98pts), followed by 2010, 2015, and 2020 (97pts).

    TN: Muted nose with slight green notes. The palate is fresh and light, with red berries and a fairly airy feel. There is not much weight or depth, but it is pleasant and drinkable.

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  • 2013 Château Lafleur 85 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    All wines were tasted blind, none of the wines were decanted. A rare opportunity to taste such a broad lineup of Chateau Lafleur, especially covering nearly every recent vintage side by side. This was a tale of two parts. Wines from before 2010 were inconsistent, often marked by drying tannins or bitter edges, a problem seen in many Right Bank wines from the 2000s. In contrast, almost everything from 2010 onward showed a clear step up: greater depth, much purer fruit, ripeness well in check, and superb freshness. The textures became finer, the wines more refined and ethereal. This stylistic shift seems closely linked to the technical changes introduced post-2013, which clearly elevated the wines to a new level. The more recent vintages certainly are among the most finesse-driven, airy right bank wines. The best wine was 2016 (98pts), followed by 2010, 2015, and 2020 (97pts).

    TN: Harsh on the nose with green and oaky notes. Alcoholic and unbalanced. This was not a successful wine but given the vintage, not surprising.

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  • 2014 Château Lafleur 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    All wines were tasted blind, none of the wines were decanted. A rare opportunity to taste such a broad lineup of Chateau Lafleur, especially covering nearly every recent vintage side by side. This was a tale of two parts. Wines from before 2010 were inconsistent, often marked by drying tannins or bitter edges, a problem seen in many Right Bank wines from the 2000s. In contrast, almost everything from 2010 onward showed a clear step up: greater depth, much purer fruit, ripeness well in check, and superb freshness. The textures became finer, the wines more refined and ethereal. This stylistic shift seems closely linked to the technical changes introduced post-2013, which clearly elevated the wines to a new level. The more recent vintages certainly are among the most finesse-driven, airy right bank wines. The best wine was 2016 (98pts), followed by 2010, 2015, and 2020 (97pts).

    TN: The nose is not very expressive and takes time to show red berries. On the palate the wine improves but remains simple, already showing some tertiary notes. Not a wine built for long ageing and lacking sweetness and charm.

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  • 2015 Château Lafleur 97 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    All wines were tasted blind, none of the wines were decanted. A rare opportunity to taste such a broad lineup of Chateau Lafleur, especially covering nearly every recent vintage side by side. This was a tale of two parts. Wines from before 2010 were inconsistent, often marked by drying tannins or bitter edges, a problem seen in many Right Bank wines from the 2000s. In contrast, almost everything from 2010 onward showed a clear step up: greater depth, much purer fruit, ripeness well in check, and superb freshness. The textures became finer, the wines more refined and ethereal. This stylistic shift seems closely linked to the technical changes introduced post-2013, which clearly elevated the wines to a new level. The more recent vintages certainly are among the most finesse-driven, airy right bank wines. The best wine was 2016 (98pts), followed by 2010, 2015, and 2020 (97pts).

    TN: Medium-expressive nose with herbs and minerality. On the palate this is superb, with red and blue fruit, toast, herbs and fine toffee. While slightly candied and seductive, it remains balanced and fresh. Not a purist wine at this stage but perfectly structured and already drinking beautifully. More complete than the 2019.

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  • 2016 Château Lafleur 98 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    All wines were tasted blind, none of the wines were decanted. A rare opportunity to taste such a broad lineup of Chateau Lafleur, especially covering nearly every recent vintage side by side. This was a tale of two parts. Wines from before 2010 were inconsistent, often marked by drying tannins or bitter edges, a problem seen in many Right Bank wines from the 2000s. In contrast, almost everything from 2010 onward showed a clear step up: greater depth, much purer fruit, ripeness well in check, and superb freshness. The textures became finer, the wines more refined and ethereal. This stylistic shift seems closely linked to the technical changes introduced post-2013, which clearly elevated the wines to a new level. The more recent vintages certainly are among the most finesse-driven, airy right bank wines. The best wine was 2016 (98pts), followed by 2010, 2015, and 2020 (97pts).

    TN: Muted at first but opens up with time. On the palate this is spectacular, with red and blue fruit, herbs, menthol, toffee, toast and tobacco. The depth and balance are astonishing. Elegant, pure and incredibly refined. My wine of the night.

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  • 2017 Château Lafleur 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    All wines were tasted blind, none of the wines were decanted. A rare opportunity to taste such a broad lineup of Chateau Lafleur, especially covering nearly every recent vintage side by side. This was a tale of two parts. Wines from before 2010 were inconsistent, often marked by drying tannins or bitter edges, a problem seen in many Right Bank wines from the 2000s. In contrast, almost everything from 2010 onward showed a clear step up: greater depth, much purer fruit, ripeness well in check, and superb freshness. The textures became finer, the wines more refined and ethereal. This stylistic shift seems closely linked to the technical changes introduced post-2013, which clearly elevated the wines to a new level. The more recent vintages certainly are among the most finesse-driven, airy right bank wines. The best wine was 2016 (98pts), followed by 2010, 2015, and 2020 (97pts).

    TN: Slightly muted nose. The palate is sweet and round with red and blue fruit, herbs, caramel and minerality. It is elegant, with no excess ripeness and a fine acidity backbone. Not a deep wine, but highly pleasant and balanced.

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  • 2018 Château Lafleur 91 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    All wines were tasted blind, none of the wines were decanted. A rare opportunity to taste such a broad lineup of Chateau Lafleur, especially covering nearly every recent vintage side by side. This was a tale of two parts. Wines from before 2010 were inconsistent, often marked by drying tannins or bitter edges, a problem seen in many Right Bank wines from the 2000s. In contrast, almost everything from 2010 onward showed a clear step up: greater depth, much purer fruit, ripeness well in check, and superb freshness. The textures became finer, the wines more refined and ethereal. This stylistic shift seems closely linked to the technical changes introduced post-2013, which clearly elevated the wines to a new level. The more recent vintages certainly are among the most finesse-driven, airy right bank wines. The best wine was 2016 (98pts), followed by 2010, 2015, and 2020 (97pts).

    TN: Muted nose that opens with time. The palate is very sweet and almost overripe, with alcohol showing through. The structure is superb with fine tannins and good acidity, but the wine is too sweet and lacks balance. Lafleur missed the mark here.

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  • 2019 Château Lafleur 95 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    All wines were tasted blind, none of the wines were decanted. A rare opportunity to taste such a broad lineup of Chateau Lafleur, especially covering nearly every recent vintage side by side. This was a tale of two parts. Wines from before 2010 were inconsistent, often marked by drying tannins or bitter edges, a problem seen in many Right Bank wines from the 2000s. In contrast, almost everything from 2010 onward showed a clear step up: greater depth, much purer fruit, ripeness well in check, and superb freshness. The textures became finer, the wines more refined and ethereal. This stylistic shift seems closely linked to the technical changes introduced post-2013, which clearly elevated the wines to a new level. The more recent vintages certainly are among the most finesse-driven, airy right bank wines. The best wine was 2016 (98pts), followed by 2010, 2015, and 2020 (97pts).

    TN: The nose is expressive with ripe and fresh red berries, hints of blue fruit and herbs. On the palate, fresh red fruit, herbs, menthol, cola and tobacco emerge. The structure is superb but a slight green note on the finish holds it back. A great wine, though the weakest of the recent top vintages.

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  • 2020 Château Lafleur 97 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    All wines were tasted blind, none of the wines were decanted. A rare opportunity to taste such a broad lineup of Chateau Lafleur, especially covering nearly every recent vintage side by side. This was a tale of two parts. Wines from before 2010 were inconsistent, often marked by drying tannins or bitter edges, a problem seen in many Right Bank wines from the 2000s. In contrast, almost everything from 2010 onward showed a clear step up: greater depth, much purer fruit, ripeness well in check, and superb freshness. The textures became finer, the wines more refined and ethereal. This stylistic shift seems closely linked to the technical changes introduced post-2013, which clearly elevated the wines to a new level. The more recent vintages certainly are among the most finesse-driven, airy right bank wines. The best wine was 2016 (98pts), followed by 2010, 2015, and 2020 (97pts).

    TN: Expressive nose and palate with vibrant red fruit, caramel, herbs and menthol. The wine is not yet as complex as 2015 or 2016 but shows great intensity and structure. A touch monolithic today but highly promising.

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