Chateau Lafleur   Lafleur

2006 Lafleur

By Chateau Lafleur

2006 Lafleur from Chateau Lafleur, Pomerol, Bordeaux

In the galaxy of prestigious Bordeaux estates, Chateau Lafleur's 2006 vintage shines with an intimate luminosity uniquely its own. As the sapient vintner navigates through the challenges of each season, one appreciates the 2006 Lafleur's displays of audacious complexity and graceful refinement evocative of a most challenging year.

 

Resilience and Sophistication: A Chronicle of 2006

It was a year where early optimism was tempered by climatic contrasts; yet in such years, Pomerol's resolute terroir proves its mettle. The endowment of gravelly soil and providential microclimate rendered the 2006 Lafleur as a testament to judicious craftsmanship and diligent vineyard stewardship amidst adversity.

2006 brought early warmth coaxing the merlot and cabernet franc grapes into serene bloom, which was then braced by an abruptly dry and cool August. September redemption, with its timely warmth, afforded grapes bountiful ripeness, precipitating a vintage imbued with alluring dichotomies.

 

A Tapestry of Terroir: Tasting the 2006 Lafleur

The result is a lavish tapestry where intense black fruits entwine with truffle notes and an underlay of firm tannins—a cohesion that declares the formidable nature of this wine. On the palate, one savours the intricate dance between the plushness typical of merlot and the aromatic finesse gifted by the cabernet franc. The crescendo comes as it lingers on the finish with richly layered complexities that signal both approachability and assured longevity.

For connoisseurs contemplating fetching additions to their portfolios, the 2006 Lafleur from Chateau Lafleur proves to be a prudent acquisition—a vintage that brims with character while steadfastly unfurling its potential with each passing year.

 

Concluding Reflections

Intricately woven within each decanter lies a nostalgic ode to 2006—an indelible year marked by triumph over tribulation that culminates in a multifaceted nectar. This Pomerol delight does not merely resonate within oenodynamic annals as an exemplar; it vibrates as a resonant invitation to those who seek both vinous pleasure and wise investment in their pursuit of viticultural mastery.

Current market price

$9,790.00

12x75cl

Highest score

98

POP score

326.11

Scores and tasting notes

98

Tasted blind at Southwold ’06 Bordeaux tasting. This exceeded my expectations: a Lafleur that was so difficult to pin down in barrel finally coming into its own. A lovely, reserved, smoky, gamey, tobacco tinged nose with great definition: almost northern Pauillac in style. Slightly herbaceous, but that merely complements the aromatic profile. Very fresh and rounded on the entry, firm tannins, great structure with white pepper-laced black fruits. Good acidity, great depth here with an enormously long, mouth-coating finish. The aftertaste seems to last forever. Immense. Tasted January 2010.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2010

95

The 2006 Lafleur, which I had not tasted from bottle prior to this visit, merits 95 points. One of the vintate’s most brilliant wines, this blend of 61% Merlot and 39% Cabernet Franc is neither as dense nor complete as the 2008, but it is structured, closed, and austere (as are many 2006s at present). It reveals a plum/purple color along with a beautifully sweet nose of black and red fruits intermixed with incense as well as a steely/iron-like smell. More open on the palate than the 2008, with more obvious spice and earthy undertones, this powerful Lafleur should be drinkable in 5-7 years, and will last for three decades. The tiny Lafleur vineyard, which was harvested between October 8-14, produced a wine with an atypically high percentage of Cabernet Franc. Proprietor Guinadeau stated that the Cabernet Franc was among the finest he had ever harvested.

Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #182 April 2009

93

On the nose this shows many of the floral and dark berry notes of the 2005, but less intense. Full and silky, with beautiful juicy fruit on the palate and a long, delicate finish. I love how this prepares your palate for pleasure. Don’t touch this until 2015.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 15th 2011

Vintage performance