2003 Lafleur

The 2003 Lafleur now sports a slightly muted, rather one-dimensional bouquet, that on this occasion is shown up by the superior and more vigorous 2001 Lafleur. Dark berry fruit, hints of cola intermingle with sandalwood and sage on the nose. The palate is full-bodied for this Pomerol with supple tannin, quite grippy in the mouth with a peppery, voluminous finish. I just feel there is a very slight vegetal element on the aftertaste that is possibly due to the short hang time. It is very creditable for the vintage but the bottom line is: it is not a great Lafleur, but a good Pomerol in context. Tasted at the Christies’ Lafleur masterclass in London.

49% Merlot, 51% Cabernet Franc. Heatwave (but not drought) and very early. Picked 2–3 September for Merlot and 10–12 September for Cabernet Franc. Very important not to deleaf the Cabernet Franc but had to drop some grapes, especially those which had raisined and particularly those that faced west. Very atypical. Much more orange than the 2001. Light burnt/charred note with some drying tannins on the end. A pale shadow of the 2001 with a slightly pinched finish. You could enjoy this with food but you wouldn’t want to drink it as a vino da meditazione . But there is freshness, thanks to the Cabernet. (JR)

Mid smudgy garnet. Very flat on the nose. Some herbaceousness but lacks its classic perfume. A little hard on the palate and abrupt at the end. Uncharacteristically hard. Not a great bottle. Seems flavour-scalped? Mild TCA? Though no obvious musty aromas. (JH)