Chateau Lafleur

Les Pensees Lafleur

"The difference between this and Lafleur is the soil, and nothing else. 0.69 ha (1.7 acres). 52% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Franc (they prefer to call it Bouschet as it is a right-bank selection of Cabernet Franc). Owner and winemaker Baptiste Guinaudeau thinks it is 'less Pomerol' because of the proportions of Merlot and Bouschet, and although the soils are similar to those of La Fleur-Pétrus, he likens the wine to Vieux Château Certan because he thinks it is more serious than in previous vintages. Deep crimson. Some violet on the nose and deep and long on the palate. Less charm and more depth than in previous vintages. But opens up to red fruit. Chewy chocolate texture and a delicious hint of spice – nutmeg? – on the mid palate. Caressing depth of tannin texture. Long as well as deep. Julia Harding 17"