2001 Chateau Lafleur

Performing slightly less impressively from bottle than it did from cask, this wine's Cabernet Franc element has come forward, revealing a distinctive herbal, bell pepper, vegetal character that kept my score from going higher. Nevertheless, there is plenty to like about this 2001 Pomerol. It possesses a saturated ruby/purple color, powerful aromas (kirsch liqueur, raspberries, and blackberries), an earthy, muscular, chunky character, and the most tannic personality of any Pomerol I tasted. While not the huge blockbuster Lafleur can often produce, it is well-built. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019.Performing slightly less impressively from bottle than it did from cask, this wine's Cabernet Franc element has come forward, revealing a distinctive herbal, bell pepper, vegetal character that kept my score from going higher. Nevertheless, there is plenty to like about this 2001 Pomerol. It possesses a saturated ruby/purple color, powerful aromas (kirsch liqueur, raspberries, and blackberries), an earthy, muscular, chunky character, and the most tannic personality of any Pomerol I tasted. While not the huge blockbuster Lafleur can often produce, it is well-built. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019.

Deep shaded ruby. Mature rim. Great depth and poise. Lovely fragrance, balance and quite evolved. Pure aristocratic Pomerol. Rich start, minerally middle and long finish. Neat and fresh. Not opulent, and more Cabernet Franc than Merlot on the nose, but a subtle velvety thing. Build-up on the finish is not a shattering crescendo.Deep shaded ruby. Mature rim. Great depth and poise. Lovely fragrance, balance and quite evolved. Pure aristocratic Pomerol. Rich start, minerally middle and long finish. Neat and fresh. Not opulent, and more Cabernet Franc than Merlot on the nose, but a subtle velvety thing. Build-up on the finish is not a shattering crescendo.

The 2001 Lafleur is one of the few wines that must lie in the shadow of the 2000. Yet this is no slouch. It is quite pungent on the nose with red berry, black plum, mint and ferrous scents, much more youthful than you would expect from a 23-year-old Right Bank. The palate offers fresh and vivid black fruit and supple tannins. The 2001 is glossy in juxtaposition with the 1985, showing a little headiness toward the finish, but time will temper that. This is a superb showing, but it needs more bottle age. Tasted at the Pomerol dinner at Cornus restaurant in London. The 2001 Lafleur is one of the few wines that must lie in the shadow of the 2000. Yet this is no slouch. It is quite pungent on the nose with red berry, black plum, mint and ferrous scents, much more youthful than you would expect from a 23-year-old Right Bank. The palate offers fresh and vivid black fruit and supple tannins. The 2001 is glossy in juxtaposition with the 1985, showing a little headiness toward the finish, but time will temper that. This is a superb showing, but it needs more bottle age. Tasted at the Pomerol dinner at Cornus restaurant in London.