2022 Lafleur

The 2022 Lafleur has turned out even better in bottle than I anticipated. Wafting from the glass with exotic aromas of mulberries, potpourri, iris, blood orange and incense, it's full-bodied, dense and layered, with a deep and multidimensional core of sweet, succulent fruit underpinned by velvety tannins, concluding with a long, expansive, rose-inflected finish. Élevage has brought a sense of harmony and classicism to the volume and richness that were already apparent en primeur, delivering a Lafleur for the ages.

Boysenberries, black raspberries, cherries, lilacs, violets, cocoa, and plum liqueur create the intoxicating perfume. Texturally, the wine meshes its viscosity, volume, density, opulence, and power with energy and lift. The levels of depth, and concentration here are are off the charts. The unctuous finish exceeds 60 seconds as it expands, builds, and coats your mouth, teeth and gums. It is important to note, that nothing is out of place, nothing is heavy. Everything is balanced and seamless. Like all great Lafleur vintages, this has almost unlimited aging abilities, yet the wine can be enjoyed after 5 years or so of bottle age. The wine blends 51% Cabernet Franc and 49% Merlot. 14.5% ABV, 3.8 pH. Harvesting took place from September 3 - September 17.

51% Bouchet (Cabernet Franc), 49% Merlot. Cask sample. Very embryonic, even recalcitrant at the moment. Changes in the glass but all the components are there – gourmand fruit, plentiful but fine tannins, plush texture and better balance than Les Pensées. Firm, long, austere finish. As always will need time.