Tasting Notes

WS98

A `95 that exploded in the glass in contact with air. Solid and masculine, with dark chocolate and bitter mocha notes, there`s big intensity here. While the tannins are burly for now, the aromas keep coming--rose petal, violet and currant backed by creamy, vanilla bean character. Elegant finish.--Château Lafleur vertical. Best from 2005 through 2015.

WA96

Tasted at Justerini & Brooks agency tasting in London. So far this year, I have tasted the Château Lafleur 1995 twice and it is rapidly becoming my favorite wine of that decade, vying with the 1998. Unlike the 2000, this is now reaching its plateau of maturity after 20 years, though it will remain there for many years. It has a sensual bouquet with wonderful definition: blackberry, bacon fat, hot gravel scents abound and then after 30-40 minutes a sprig of wild mint. Mercurial and captivating—that`s a great Lafleur on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, though they are not quite as filigree and finely chiselled as the 2000. There is unquestionably immense depth here with tertiary black fruit, smoke and black truffle before fanning out in confident fashion on the finish. This is just a superb Lafleur with a long and prosperous life ahead. Tasted February 2015.

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