1999 Lafleur
By Chateau Lafleur
1999 Lafleur from Chateau Lafleur, Pomerol, Bordeaux
Seldom does one encounter a wine of such compelling intrigue as the 1999 Lafleur from Chateau Lafleur. This particular cuvée, residing from the venerated Pomerol plateau, exchanges ostentatiousness for complexity and sophistication.
A Vintage Hallmarked by Balance and Grace
The turn of the millennium was on everyone's lips, yet in Bordeaux's winemaking circles, the conversation was dominated by the precocious character of the 1999 vintage—yet not without its challengers. The year was relatively serene weather-wise, escaping dramatic climatic adversities that besiege many an esteemed vintage. The moderate conditions led to a balanced fruit development, allowing Chateau Lafleur’s meticulous viniculture to shine through.
An Oenophile’s Treasure with Investment Credence
It is a testament to Chateau Lafleur's viticultural artisans that they sculpted from such harmony a wine that resonates with depth and texture. Unfurling layers reveal ripe black cherries and a suspended, velvety plum character, which finds companionship in whispers of truffle and damp earth—a nod to Pomerol’s fabled terroir. Yet it is the lingering echo of fine spice that recalls the deftness of its creation.
The tannic structure merits remark; it stands with a gentlemanly firmness—present but polite—not unlike pillars in regal halls. This frame gives the 1999 Lafleur backbone for cellaring potential, making it an astute acquisition for collectors who pride themselves on wines that mature with dignity.
For investors looking into Bordeaux’s offerings, the 1999 Lafleur from Chateau Lafleur represents not just an emblem of a winemaker's adaptable craftsmanship but also an assuring stability in portfolios seeking variety beyond the more bombastic vintages.
Summing Up This Exemplar Pomerol
With twenty years having gently polished its facets, the 1999 Lafleur speaks volumes of the subtle mastery inherent in Pomerol’s canvas. It is a vintage that underscores how the absence of extremities in weather coaxes out a latent finesse that otherwise may remain obscured. Engaging now yet promising for years to come, this wine epitomises a timeless investment for the connoisseur well-versed in the nuanced dialogue between wine and time.
Market price (GBP)
£5,880.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
452.31
Scores and tasting notes
This 1999 Pomerol seems to be entering a real sweet spot. Here it offers a sublime cocktail of aromas
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013
This wine is a brilliant success, it is one of the stars of the vintage. Lafleur's 1999 is atypically powerful and concentrated, with an inky, saturated purple color followed by a sensational nose of black cherry jam intermixed with liquid minerals, raspberries, and licorice. It is super concentrated, extraordinarily pure, with moderately high tannin. This dense, powerful, impressively endowed wine should turn out to be a classic for Lafleur. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #140 April 2002