2017 Lafleur
By Chateau Lafleur
2017 Lafleur from Chateau Lafleur, Pomerol, Bordeaux
The 2017 vintage stands as a testament to the resilience and meticulous cultivation by the renowned Chateau Lafleur in Pomerol. Despite facing challenging meteorological odds, Chateau Lafleur has triumphantly produced a vintage with character and complexity worthy of meticulous scrutiny and appreciation.
An Authentic Expression of Terroir Amidst Adversity
Unlike the easements graced upon previous years, 2017 delivered a frost that notably thinned the herd. It forced vintners to a rigorous selection process, leaving only the most robust and concentrated fruit. The resulting wine from Chateau Lafleur reveals a depth and intensity befitting such trials, with layer upon layer of dark fruit nuances and a robust tannic structure poised for longevity – an assuring nod for investors seeking wines with potential for evolution.
Investment Merit Coupled with Artisanal Excellence
The craft at Chateau Lafleur never falters; they are masters at extracting poetry from their terroir regardless of seasonal caprice. Investment-wise, their 2017 Lafleur emerges as a vintage offering both intrigue and value. The slower start to its market journey mirrors the measured evolution one can expect in bottle – it’s an investment beckoning patience but promises outstanding rewards.
Within the glass, the 2017 vintage oscillates between vitality and seduction. This is Pomerol finesse incarnate: Merlot's lush, plummy core buttressed by Cabernet Franc's aromatic lift and spice. Elegant, yet underpinned by undeniable power, it affords superb balance that augurs well for long-term maturation.
To conclude, the 2017 Lafleur from Chateau Lafleur represents an investment-grade wine that deftly encapsulates the essence of its origin. Shaped by adversity but sculpted by expertise, it stands ready to embark on its ageing journey. As with any top-tier Pomerol, like crafted tapestries hung in time’s gallery, this 2017 treasure will only unravel richer narratives as the years roll on.
Market price (HKD)
HK$58,210.00
12x75cl
Highest score
99
POP score
320.53
Scores and tasting notes
Lafleur’s 2017 Merlot came in just before the rain. Cellar Master Omri Ram commented, “The 2017 Merlot was very similar to the 2015. With the Cabernet Franc, we waited; we were patient, and it came in ripe yet more fresh than the Merlot.” As it turns out, that combo of the wonderfully decadent Merlot and the galvanizing Cabernet Franc are just magic! Blended of 47% Merlot and 53% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 Lafleur has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and opens with a positively electric intensity of red and black fruits—cherries, black plums, red currants, black raspberries and mulberries—with touches of roses, cinnamon stick, smoked meats and forest floor plus a hint of truffles. Medium to full-bodied with densely packed layers of red and black fruits accented by floral and earthy sparks, it possesses very firm, very finely pixelated tannins and a lively backbone, finishing with epic persistence.
Wine Advocate - Lisa Perrotti-Brown - robertparker.com
A structured and muscular red with blackberry, dark-chocolate and mineral character. Violet undertones. Very tight and tannic. Full-bodied, extremely closed and concentrated. Steely.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
The 2017 Lafleur is without question one of the wines of the vintage on the Right Bank. Dense powerful and structured, the 2017 is all class. Given the wine's richness, I was not surprised to learn that the berries were even smaller in 2017 than they were in either 2016 or 2015. Powerful, explosive and beautifully layered, the 2017 simply has it all. What a wine. This is a tremendous showing from the Guinaudeau family.
Antonio Galloni - Antonio Galloni - vinous.com - May '18
The 2017 Lafleur was picked 8 to 12 September and 28 and 29 September for the Merlot and Cabernet Franc respectively. It has a very impressive bouquet, frankly, one of the best that I have encountered in Pomerol, perhaps on the Right Bank. Despite the higher proportion of Cabernet Franc, the Merlot is more expressive with black cherries, a touch of cassis, sea spray and a hint of iodine. It just gains intensity with every swirl of the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with firm but fine tannin, layers of black and red fruit mixed with white pepper, sage and a slight ferrous note towards the persistent finish. This is an awesome 2017 from Baptiste Guinaudeau, one of the few that will oblige several years in the cellar.
Neal Martin - Neal Martin - vinous.com - May '18