2005 Lafleur
By Chateau Lafleur
2005 Lafleur from Château Lafleur, Pomerol, Bordeaux
The revered 2005 vintage of Lafleur from Château Lafleur is a quintessential representation of a year that is widely regarded amongst connoisseurs and collectors alike for offering something approaching perfection. The terroir of Pomerol, with its iron-rich clay and gravels, nurtures the Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes to a sublime ripeness, a hallmark of this stellar year. It is this particular vintage that encapsulates the estate’s dedication to expressing both the character of the vineyard and the nuanced complexity of the season.
A Wine Inimitable by Nature
Borne of the small yet illustrious Pomerol appellation, the 2005 Lafleur stands as one of Bordeaux's most investable wines. The expertise behind it ensures each vintage has its own tale, this one woven from threads of concentricity and precision. The grapes’ journey through 2005's near-idyllic climatic conditions has bestowed upon them a concentration and depth that remain stamped within the bottle—a reflection of a year when nature conspired to elevate wine to art.
An Emblem of Climatic Finesse
The 2005 season gifted winemakers with early, even flowering, followed by an exceptionally warm summer leading to unhurried ripening—conditions that coaxed out vibrant fruit flavours balanced by firm but finely woven tannins. The Merlot shines with opulent dark fruit layers while the Cabernet Franc lends an enlivening freshness and structure that promises remarkable ageing potential.
In tasting, this 2005 vintage reveals a procession of black truffles, ripe black cherries, earthiness and hints of tobacco—a palate provoking reverence with its layered complexity. Time in the glass allows emergence of subtle floral tones, signifying the meticulous marriage of varietals achieved by Château Lafleur.
This exceptional bottle stands as not merely a beverage but as an investment piece embodying a particular harmony between vineyard, varietal and vintage. Indeed, for those who appreciate fine wine both as an experience and an asset, securing the 2005 Lafleur is an astute addition to any serious collection.
Current market price
$34,700.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
1039.5
Scores and tasting notes
The nose on this wine is classic. Floral notes of lilacs and violets, citrus fruits, raspberries, and blackberries. On the palate this is full bodied, with incredible power and density. A very impressive silky texture underneath the intense fruit flavors that gives way to an excitingly long, long finish. It’s hard to believe the classic structure in this. Impeccable balance. Don’t touch this for 10 years.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 15th 2011
Tasted at John Armit’s Lafleur seminar in London, the 2005 is a legendary wine in the making. It has a boisterous, ebullient, ravishing bouquet of succulent black, truffle infused fruit with hints of crushed stone, the bell pepper element less evident on this occasion. The palate is medium-bodied and tightly wound, perhaps less expressive than other bottles that I have encountered. You could argue that it has an almost understated entry, but then you realize that there is a core of extraordinarily concentrated dark black fruit that is waiting for you. It has wonderful minerality towards the finish and extremely fine focus and persistency. At the moment, a Lafleur of dimension and ambition rather than pleasure, which will come. Drink 2018-2035+.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2012
The 2005 Lafleur is tight and austere at present, but unquestionably enormously endowed. It displays a dense ruby/purple hue as well as a beautiful bouquet that only emerges with coaxing. Aeration is essential in order to release the subtle, restrained scents of licorice, kirsch liqueur, black truffles, and flowers. In the mouth, there is compelling richness, depth, and intensity, but the wine’s power, full body, forbiddingly backward style, and high tannins suggest significant cellaring will be required. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #176 April 2008