2023, Les Pensées, AOC POMEROL (Ch. Lafleur)

Founded in 1987 by Sylvie and Jacques Guinaudeau, Les Pensées is situated among the greatest vines of the plateau of Pomerol. The wine derives from a small stretch of Pomerol-clay (0.68 ha) in the center of Lafleur's gravel-dominated vineyard. This makes of Les Pensées a unique interpretation of Lafleur.

2023 is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc.

Unusually high Merlot for Pensees, this combines gorgeously rich texture with mouthwatering salinity on the finish, moving through plump and plus black cherry and raspberry fruit. The team here always knows how to skilfully construct a wine, and this picks up concentrated notes of fennel and mint that raise the game. 25% new oak for ageing.
93 Jane Anson.

The 2023 Pensées de Lafleur is an especially serious rendition of a cuvée that is generally more forward and demonstrative than its stablemate Lafleur. Unfurling in the glass with deep aromas of cherries and dark berries mingled with violets, orange zest and spices, it's medium to full-bodied, with a broad attack that segues into a fleshy, layered core of real depth and density, underpinned by rich, powdery tannins and concluding with a long, harmonious finish.
94-96 William Kelley, Wine Advocate.

The 2023 Les Pensées de Lafleur is a pretty wine with lovely aromatic top notes from the Franc. It's an especially floral, refined wine, framed by bright saline underpinnings that lend nuance. It offers good persistence, but I find it a bit light, especially on the mid-palate. Let's see how this develops with élevage.
89-92 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.