1998 Chateau Lafleur, Pomerol 1x750ml

Vinous 95

This bottle of 1998 Lafleur exudes such mineralite on the nose that it is rendered more distant and less appeasing to the senses than the 1999 Lafleur. However, there is undeniably brilliant delineation with almost flint-like scents filtering through the black sultry fruit. It is certainly less opulently gregarious than bottles tasted within the first decade of its life. The palate is medium-bodied with tannins just beginning to soften, less demonstrative than bottles encountered previously and less sexier . I guess you could say that this is a Lafleur that has grown up in recent years but it has something up its sleeve for those prepared to wait another decade. The 1998 is one for the more patient amongst readers. Tasted at the International Wine & Business Lafleur dinner at Ten Trinity, London. [Neal Martin, 01/11/2018]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050

Robert Parker 94

Tasted from an ex-chateau bottle at the Lafleur vertical dinner at Attersee in Austria. I cannot believe how long it is since I last encountered this 1998 Lafleur! I am not quite as enthused as when I first tasted it back in 2004. Deep in colour, one notices a very rich, opulent bouquet that has a lactic tincture. This subsides in the glass to reveal touches of creme de cassis, blueberry and hints of dark chocolate. The palate is full-bodied, rich and powerful, although analyzing the wine against the 2001, one notices less tension and delineation, more glycerine on the 1998. It is a a oesexya Lafleur, but I am not quite sure if that fits comfortably with its signature style. I am sure others might like it more than myself and I would be able to understand why, even if I would not agree. Tasted June 2012. [Neal Martin, 01/06/2012]