2008 Chateau Lafleur, Pomerol 1x750ml

Vinous 96

The 2008 Lafleur is the surprise of the evening, and on this occasion, it had the audacity to outflank the 2009. Vivid blackberry, clove and crushed stone spring from the glass, bright and almost effervescent compared to the 2009. The palate has exquisite balance and poise, concentrated and structured yet more linear on the finish than the 2010. It gains persistency with aeration. Tasted from ex-chateau magnum at Kate & Kon’s 40-Year vertical in Austria. [Neal Martin, 01/09/2025]

Anticipated maturity: 2029-2060

Robert Parker 96

Tasted with Baptiste Guinaudeau, the 2008 Lafleur is a wine for which I have a lot of time, and as it approaches a decade old, it is beginning to loosen up a little. There is plenty of fruit on the nose-more than I have encountered on previous bottles, with a mixture of red and black fruit-and a hint of bell pepper and sage. The main difference is that those previously rigid tannin have loosened their collar in recent months; therefore, this Lafleur is now entertaining the notion of drinkability. There remains a linearity to this Lafleur-and there is still that backbone-yet it seems to flow nicely across the mouth, and there is superb mineralite on the finish. It’s probably destined to be overshadowed by the succeeding two vintages, but I suggest you do not overlook the 2008 Lafleur. [Neal Martin, 28/09/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050