2023, Les Perrières, BORDEAUX Supérieur Rouge (Ch. Lafleur)

Founded in 2018 by Julie and Baptiste Guinaudeau, Les Perrières de Lafleur is grown and produced in Fronsac at Château Grand Village on limestone dominant soil. The vines for Les Perrières are from Lafleur's massal selection of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the same vinification process and the same team - the only difference is in the terroir. "Lafleur on limestone."

The 2023 vintage is 100% Cabernet Franc.

This is really crunchy and pure with a black-cherry, orange-peel and mineral character. It's medium-bodied with intensity and purity. Salty, minerally and vivid. Exciting. From limestone soils.
95-96 James Suckling.

The 2023 Les Perrières de Lafleur reveals aromas of violet, dark wild berries, spices and liquorice. Medium to full-bodied, enveloping and deep, layered and textured, it has a good depth of fruit with powdery tannins, concluding with a saline, lead pencil-inflected finish. Crafted entirely from Cabernet Franc, it's one of the most singular Les Perrières produced by Baptiste Guinaudeau and his team.
94-96 Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate.

Fragrant tomato leaf, peony, fresh tobacco, with a saline hit from the first moments that runs through the blueberry fruits. This is a fascinating Les Perrières, really one that those who follow this label will be interested in getting hold of, because it is entirely Cabernet Franc for the first time. It's a little austere, as you might expect, but then this wine often is in its early years due to its limestone soils, and there is a purity and vibrancy underneath the fruit that is stunning, and roots you to the spot. Huge energy, vertical lift, wonderful.
95 Jane Anson.

The 2023 Les Perrières is, unusually, 100% Cabernet Franc this year, as all the Merlot went into the Grand Village. Bold, rich and explosive, the 2023 offers up copious red-toned fruit along with soaring floral and savory top notes. There's gorgeous depth and textural richness here, along with superb balance.
92-94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.