1990 Chateau Lafleur, Pomerol 1x750ml

Vinous 96

The 1990 Lafleur might not reach the ethereal heights of the 1989, yet certainly in magnum format, it is not far behind. It is cut from a different cloth than the 1989 with a more opulent bouquet of ravishing raspberry and blueberry fruit, chestnut, meat juices and violets. Perhaps there is just a tiny bit of Brettanomyces? The palate is concentrated and more generous/flamboyant than the 1989 with saturated tannins, a touch of cracked black pepper and a cheeky peppermint note on the finish. Maybe it lacks the sophistication of the 1989 but the 1990 just doesn’t care. Nor will you. Tasted from ex-château magnum at Kate & Kon’s 40-year vertical in Austria. [Neal Martin, 09/01/2025]

Anticipated maturity: 2025-2060

Robert Parker 97

Tasted from an ex-chateau bottle at the Lafleur vertical dinner at Attersee in Austria. I have only tasted this 1990 once before. Almost as deep in colour as the 1989, there is perhaps a touch more limpidity to this example. The nose is inhibited at first with reluctant scents of blackberry, wild mint and cedar wood ” less marine-influenced then the previous bottle and yet it retains otherworldly delineation and intensity, offering scents of black truffle emerge with time. The palate is full-bodied, smooth and sensual and though it is not quite as complex or as intriguing as the 1989, there is an overwhelming sense of harmony and completeness. It is still astonishingly primal given its age, especially compared to other Pomerol 1990s and there is a sensational Tuscan-like richness and “audacity” on the grippy finish. What a fabulous wine. Tasted June 2012. [Neal Martin, 06/01/2012]