Les Pensees de Lafleur 2023 (750ML)

94-96 WI / 94-96 WA / 93 JA / 89-92 VM

A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Bouchet (Cabernet Franc), the 2023 Pensees de Lafleur has a deep garnet-purple color. It needs a swirl or two to spur it on to gallop out with powerful notes of juicy black plums, wild blueberries, and raspberry preserves, leading to an undercurrent of wood smoke, charcoal, bay leaves, and Sichuan pepper. The medium-bodied palate is light on its feet and beautifully poised, with very fine, silky tannins and alluring freshness, finishing very long and earthy. - Lisa Perotti-Brown, Wine Independent

The 2023 Pensées de Lafleur is an especially serious rendition of a cuvée that is generally more forward and demonstrative than its stablemate Lafleur. Unfurling in the glass with deep aromas of cherries and dark berries mingled with violets, orange zest and spices, it's medium to full-bodied, with a broad attack that segues into a fleshy, layered core of real depth and density, underpinned by rich, powdery tannins and concluding with a long, harmonious finish. It's a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. - Wine Advocate, William Kelley

Unusually high Merlot for Pensees, this combines gorgeously rich texture with mouthwatering salinity on the finish, moving through plump and plus black cherry and raspberry fruit. The team here always knows how to skilfully construct a wine, and this picks up concentrated notes of fennel and mint that raise the game. 25% new oak for ageing. - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

The 2023 Les Pensées de Lafleur is a pretty wine with lovely aromatic top notes from the Franc. It's an especially floral, refined wine, framed by bright saline underpinnings that lend nuance. It offers good persistence, but I find it a bit light, especially on the mid-palate. Let's see how this develops with élevage. -- Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media