Lafleur 2010 (750ML)

100 JS / 100 DE / 99+ VM / 19 JR / 97 WS

This red shows such beautiful and ripe aromas of blackberries, orange peel, hazelnuts, and tropical fruits. It's full-bodied, with superb texture of polished tannins that are velvety. The length last for minutes. It's muscular yet elegant. It flexes it muscle yet pulls them back. What gorgeous tone to this young red. Try in 2020. - James Suckling

The paradox of Bordeaux is that some of the greatest vintages are almost unapproachable until they are 20 years old or more. 2010 almost certainly qualifies to be in that bracket, and no one would say this is ready to drink yet (head to Les Pensées for a good few years yet). But at 10 years it practically runs you over with its brilliance the second you get anywhere near it. This is intense with lashings of tannins yet finely wrought and elegant. Power without weight, loaded with graphite, olives, sage, rosemary and violets. This really shows how expansive Lafleur can be, and yet without the slightest trace of heaviness, this is suspended over the glass. So much nuance, texture and layers here - an utterly amazing wine from a year that had a cool early season then turned hot right through until harvest, but always with fresh nights. A standout that makes the most of its high Cabernet Franc content. (tasted 11/2019) - Jane Anson, Decanter

The 2010 Lafleur is a Pomerol that has long flirted with perfection. Even after 8 years the bouquet is still tightly wound and backward, yet extraordinarily pure with scents of blackberry, wild hedgerow, a touch of gravel and iodine. Yet, these are fleeting glimpses of the bouquet to come. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, masculine and almost surly in personality and yet, utterly compelling. There is layer upon layer of spicy black fruit intermixed with white pepper and sage, with aeration developing a haunting sense of precision and silky texture that leaves you urging for a second sip. This is just magisterial. Tasted at the Christies’ Lafleur masterclass in London. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media

38% Merlot, 62% Cabernet Franc. Very deep crimson. Heady and floral on the concentrated nose. Very sweet and polished. Less obvious tannins than the 2005. Real density and subtlety. Super-sweet. Very rich and great stuff. Spicy. Masses of fruit overlaying the tannin. Very lively. Extremely rich for a Cabernet Franc-dominated wine. - Jancis Robinson

Packed, with a charcoal frame and hints of alder and mesquite offering an impressive, aromatic profile, while flavors of crushed plum, warm linzer torte and blackberry preserves form the massive core. Dense, chewy and velvety, this features a riveting iron note and enticing tobacco accents that help to expand and lengthen the finish. Best from 2020 through 2040. - JM, Wine Spectator