2020 Chateau Lafleur, Pomerol 6x750ml

Vinous 96

The 2020 Lafleur lies in marked contrast to the 2019. This is far less expressive and, as I remarked last year, shows a little more reduction. You can immediately tell this is a very serious, almost stentorian Lafleur, but it is refusing to come out and play. The palate is quintessentially Lafleur, a bit reserved and moody with quite hefty tannins, perhaps not as finessed as the 2019. Stylistically it harks back to the 2000 and as such, demands at least another decade in bottle. (Perhaps the larger format compounds its backward nature.) Patience is required. Tasted from ex-château magnum at Kate & Kon’s 40-Year vertical in Austria. [Neal Martin, 09/01/2025]

Anticipated maturity: 2038-2070

JancisRobinson.com 19

54% Merlot, 46% Bouchet (Cabernet Franc). Cask sample. A great Lafleur and one of the wines of the vintage. Dark and dense on the nose with a chocolate note from the Bouchet (Cabernet Franc) and hint of minerality. Whack of fruit and plentiful but really fine tannin on attack. Initially, broad, dense and full then tightens up and disappears into the distance. Drive and persistence and minerally freshness throughout. Enormous ageing potential. (JL) [04/22/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2030-2055