2006, Château Lafleur, AOC POMEROL

Bordeaux Blend: Cabernet Franc, Merlot.

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 to 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, this really calls for extended cellaring. 93+ Stephen Tanzer, Vinous (2009).

The 2006 Lafleur, which I had not tasted from bottle prior to this visit, merits 95 points. One of the vintate’s most brilliant wines, this blend of 61% Merlot and 39% Cabernet Franc is neither as dense nor complete as the 2008, but it is structured, closed, and austere (as are many 2006s at present). It reveals a plum/purple colour along with a beautifully sweet nose of black and red fruits intermixed with incense as well as 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, and will last for three decades. 95 Robert M. Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate (2009).

Drinking Window: 2028 - 2048