1999 Château Lafleur
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Tasting notes
The 1999 Lafleur was predestined to fall between two lauded vintages—nevertheless, it certainly should not be overlooked. This is what you might term a "useful" vintage that will drink earlier than the 1998 and 2000. The nose is quite savoury and more ferrous, and at one point I wondered whether there was just a touch of Brettanomyces. The palate, though, has fine delineation, a "cool" Pomerol that is shorn of frills by the cooler growing season. Its grainy tannins are tightly wound considering its 26 years of age, yet expressive Cabernet Franc lends a peppery character on the finish. This is ready to go but will continue to drink well for the next 20 to 25 years. Tasted from ex-château magnum at Kate & Kon's 40-Year vertical in Austria.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 1999 Lafleur flies under the radar between the feted 1998 and 2000 vintages. However, it should not be under-estimated. It has a lucid deep color. The bouquet is not dissimilar to the previous bottle tasted in 2012, blessed with pure blackberry and briary scents, hints of gravel that render it not a million miles away from a Left Bank. The palate is very well balanced and seems silkier than ever. Whilst it does not possess the mineral core of the 1998, it has a disarmingly pure and graceful finish. Whilst not a Lafleur of immense length or grandeur it is approachable and beautifully crafted. Tasted at the “International Wine & Business” Lafleur dinner at Ten Trinity, London.
Deep crimson. Lightly fragrant. Lilies and green vegetation but enormous concentration, and a hint of dark chocolate. Vibrant and playful on the finish. Serious wine!!! You can really see the difference between this and some of the more oenologist-constructed wines in this line up. (JR)
About the producer
The Société Civile du Ch. Lafleur is the collective name for the Guinaudeau family’s wines and estates. These are some of the Right Bank’s most famous wines, including Ch. Lafleur and Les Pensées in Pomerol, along with Les Perrières, Les Champs Libres and Ch. Grand Village in Fronsac.