Chateau Lafleur   Lafleur

2011 Lafleur

By Chateau Lafleur

2011 Lafleur from Chateau Lafleur, Pomerol, Bordeaux

Encapsulating the uniqueness of Bordeaux’s climatic variation, the 2011 Lafleur from Chateau Lafleur is a testament to the adaptability and finesse this esteemed winery commands. Nestled in the iconic Pomerol appellation, this vintage reflects a narrative unlike any other in recent history.

 

The Character of 2011 Pomerol

The year began with an uncharacteristically dry and warm spring, propelling an early bud break and flowering. Summer's coolness and bouts of rain, often precursors to unpredictability, were skilfully harnessed by the terroir-savvy team at Chateau Lafleur. They managed to coax out the inherent opulence of Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes under duress, culminating in a vintage articulated with the depth and fortitude present in every complex sip.

 

Investment-Calibre Merit

Upon decanting, the 2011 Lafleur exudes a treasure trove of aromatics; truffles melded with dark cherries and subtle earthiness leaves one entranced. Each taste confirms the fragrant promise—a melody of plums, cedar, and a whiff of graphite elegantly intertwined with fine-grained tannins that reveal a seemingly endless finish. It speaks to the astute investor with its poised evolution potential.

Indeed, Pomerol was met with challenges in 2011 which, rather than hindering, provided the canvas for this blend to evolve into a wine of notable stature—a creation brimming with resilience and charm, outshining those seeking merely consistent years.

 

A Confluence of Artistry and Nature

In investment terms, wines like the 2011 Lafleur are serendipitous finds—illustrative that an experienced vintner can transform adversity into an oenophilic triumph. With years ahead to mature gracefully within the cellar’s sanctum, acquiring this refined expression offers not only palatable delight but also notable investment acumen. This is a prime example of why discerning collectors remain enamoured with Pomerol's quintessence—the alchemy between grape, terrain and human touch.

Eloquently representing this symphony is none other than the 2011 Lafleur from Chateau Lafleur—a cultivated embodiment of Bordeaux's unrivalled craftsmanship.

Current market price

$6,490.00

12x75cl

Highest score

97

POP score

228.82

Scores and tasting notes

97

Complex aromas of blackberry and whole white truffles with hints of wet earth and stones. Full body and structured with gorgeous, velvety tannins, but reserved and polished. Very long finish with fabulous fruit. Goes on for minutes. This is all class: the red wine of the vintage. Better in 2019.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, January 28th 2014

93-95

Tasted at the property with the entire Guinaudeau family (baby commenting through the intercom.) The Grand Vin is a blend of 47% Merlot cropped on 31st August and 12th September and 53% Cabernet Franc cropped on 22nd and 23rd September. It has a generous bouquet with scents of raspberry, wild strawberry, oyster shell and a touch of kirsch, more open and approachable than the 2009 and 2010. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, crisp tannins. It has wonderful fruit concentration and minerality, very good depth on the back palate that is lacquered in truffle tinged black fruit. It has wonderful focus: a linear Lafleur with a persistent finish. Excellent. Tasted April 2012.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2012

92-94

This tiny jewel of a property has produced a beautifully rich 2011 Lafleur from a blend of 53% Cabernet Franc and 47% Merlot. The Merlot was picked between August 31 and September 12, and the Cabernet Franc between September 22-23. The 2011 reveals a floral-scented bouquet with notions of kirsch, licorice and black raspberries. It is medium to full-bodied with terrific fruit purity, good minerality and slightly more acidity and freshness than are found in such ripe vintages as 2009 and 2010. At present, the Guinandeau family, the owners, are using between 50-60% new oak in an attempt to emphasize their great terroir and the extraordinary fruit quality they achieve from both the old vine Cabernet Franc and Merlot. This cuvee possesses some serious tannin and will undoubtedly need 5-6 years of cellaring after its release, but it should be one of the longer-lived wines of the vintage, lasting 25+ years.

Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #200 April 2012

Vintage performance