2007 Château Lafleur

The 2007 Lafleur has a straightforward bouquet with mulberry and strawberry pastilles, touches of scorched earth and game coming through courtesy of the Cabernet Franc. I admire the definition and poise on display here. The palate is medium-bodied with quite bold tannin and satisfying ripeness considering the growing season, a mixture of red and black fruit laced with black pepper, truffle and clove, that lead towards a solid, firm finish. Though this is an off vintage, this showing suggests it will benefit from another couple of years in bottle. Tasted at the Christies’ Lafleur masterclass in London.

Lots of 2007s being rediscovered now. Like 1993, the problem was the flowering. But now a difficult flowering is no longer disastrous. By 2007 their viticultural improvements had had their effect. 57% Merlot because many Cabernet Franc vines were only just coming on stream. Medium depth of garnet. Extremely light nose but a certain ripeness developed in the glass. Very fresh and vibrant. Almost austere but with great grace. Neat, dry finish and, again, a real build on the end. Jacques Guinaudeau admits it is far from showy. (JR)

Tasted at BI Wine & Spirits' 10-Years-On tasting, the 2007 Lafleur has a beautifully composed bouquet with scents of black cherry, truffle, iron piping and a touch of mint. It is very well defined, nicely focused and full of breeding. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannin, a superb seam of acidity, good body and presence in the mouth. I adore the ferrous aspect of this Lafleur married with the sense of energy conveyed towards the finish—an off-vintage Pomerol that seems to be flourishing with bottle age. Superb. Tasted February 2017.