Lafleur 2009 (6.0L)

100 JS / 99 RP / 98 VM / 98 JD / 18.5 JR

This is a crazy nose of tangerines and blueberries, with raspberries and mushroom and berries. Full-bodied, with ultra fine tannins. This wine is all about texture, with phenomenal tannins and subtle fruits that just make you think. Evocative. It is layered, yet changes all the time. I can't believe it really. Speechless. Amazes me. Try in 2020. - James Suckling

An absolutely prodigious blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot, the 2009 Lafleur displays the tell-tale characteristics of this great estate. Kirsch liqueur, licorice and floral notes are intermixed with raspberry in a very full-bodied, super-intense, opulent and multi-dimensional style. Extraordinarily dense and pure, but not heavy by any means, the intensity, texture, and richness of the 2009 Lafleur are reminiscent of the perfect 1982. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040. - Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Bright full ruby. Drop-dead gorgeous nose combines superripe strawberry, raspberry jam, black cherry syrup, brown spices, Oriental herbs and exotic oak. Extremely densely packed and energetic but already offering a satin-like texture and great early appeal owing to its sexy sweetness of superripe fruit. There's an almost pinot-like silkiness of texture to its red fruit and exotic spice flavors. The finish is very graceful yet lush, offering uncommon depth, complexity and charm. As amazing as the 2009 and 2010 Petrus are, I think these two vintages from Lafleur are the best pair of clarets made by anyone in 2009 and 2010. Simply put, this is yet another truly unforgettable wine. - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media

The 2009 Lafleur (55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot) is an incredible wine in the vintage, not due to its concentration or richness, but due to its purity, finesse, and elegance! Revealing a deep ruby/purple color and perfumed notes of black raspberries, violets, forest floor, and spring flowers, this seamless Pomerol hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, multi-dimensional, weightless texture, and ultra-fine tannin. With perfectly integrated oak, a perfumed, complex style, and no hard edges, it’s as sexy and seamless as it gets. If this wine doesn’t put a smile on your face, I can’t imagine what would. It’s already impossible to resist (it blossoms with time in the glass) but I suspect it will cruise in the cellar for another 2-3 decades. - Jeb Dunnuck

Tasted blind. Some savour. Fresh and racy, very sleek – with ‘cashmere tannins’. Polished and fun to drink already. Lots of persistence. - Jancis Robinson