2003 Chateau Lafleur, Pomerol 1x750ml

Vinous 90

The 2003 Lafleur is a commendable Pomerol from a year when the appellation struggled. There is just a touch of blowsiness on the nose, which articulates the growing season more than the terroir with stewed plum, mulberry and a touch of melted tar. The palate is plump and powerful, rounded with lower acidity than other vintages (as you would expect), quite sweet with a touch of kirsch on the finish. Fine, if a bit unexciting and lacking Lafleur’s DNA. Tasted from ex-château magnum at Kate & Kon’s 40-Year vertical in Austria. [Neal Martin, 09/01/2025]

Anticipated maturity: 2026-2044

Robert Parker 93

Tasted at Bordeaux Index’s “10-Year On” tasting in London. The Lafleur 2003 shows its class on the nose with better definition than its Pomerol neighbours: lovely gamey notes coming through with bacon fat and roasted chestnuts that at least give it a sense of personality. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and perhaps this is evolving into a more feminine Lafleur than expected ” certainly approachable with fine cohesion. The difference here is that Jacques Guinaudeau’s wine shrugs off the merciless heat of the vintage, is not oppressed by it. It is not a top tier Lafleur and is outclassed by Petrus, but it remains an enjoyable Pomerol. Tasted March 2013. [Neal Martin, 03/01/2013]