Lafleur 2003

Pomerol

Units	Size	Case size	GBP Price:	Quantities	Buy

Tasting Notes
The 2003 is still a little unresolved on the nose, perhaps missing the clarity and joie-de-vivre of the 2004. There is a slight 'stemmy' character inflecting the nose with raspberry and a touch of cranberry fruit. But the palate is very impressive considering the difficulties that Pomerol faced in this vintage with fine, grainy tannins, touches of cigar box, savoury fruit, a little sandalwood and spice. Very harmonious and a soft, sensuous off-dry, tobacco finish. It needs time, so perhaps that nose will sort itself out. Drink 2018-2030+. Tasted September 2008. Score: 93 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2018-2030+ 01 November 2008
The exotic, nearly over the top 2003 exhibits a southern Rhone-like characteristic of kirsch liqueur intermixed with raspberries and flowers. Sweet fruit, high levels of glycerin (the alcohol is less than 13.5%), and high but silky tannins have resulted in a broad, expansive, terrific example of Lafleur that should be at its finest between 2008-2025. Along with Petrus, this stunning, full-bodied 2003 is a candidate for the top wine of Pomerol. Score: 95 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2008-2025 01 April 2006
This is a really long wine. It lasts for minutes on the palate. Full and dense yet refined and linear. Very racy, with plum, berry and floral character. Fantastic. No jam here. This is a wine that shows strength but maintains elegance. Superb. Best after 2012. 1,000 cases made. Score: 97 James Suckling, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2012+ 31 March 2006
Very deep purple and a nose that is pure class and density. Nothing is overdone. There is extraordinary fragrance and real Cabernet Franc perfume (the proportion was 50 per cent in 2003 rather than the usual 40). Sweetness and gentleness on the palate. No force but nothing dilute. Lighter in body than many a Pomerol but nothing dilute and this may well take on weight in barrel. Very clean without obviously unripe tannins. (18+ Points) Score: 18 Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2008-2020 24 August 2005
Full ruby-red color. Ripe, smoky aromas of raspberry, plum, milk chocolate and spices; almost confectionery. Plump, round and impressively full, with slightly medicinal flavors. Tasted after the Trotanoy, this came off as less harmonious and vibrant, but fatter and fuller in the middle palate. Finishes with substantial ripe tannins and very good chocolatey persistence. Some early tasters have rated this wine more highly but today I find myself wanting a bit more energy in the mouth. Score: 88 - 92 Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 01 May 2004

Tasting Notes

The 2003 is still a little unresolved on the nose, perhaps missing the clarity and joie-de-vivre of the 2004. There is a slight 'stemmy' character inflecting the nose with raspberry and a touch of cranberry fruit. But the palate is very impressive considering the difficulties that Pomerol faced in this vintage with fine, grainy tannins, touches of cigar box, savoury fruit, a little sandalwood and spice. Very harmonious and a soft, sensuous off-dry, tobacco finish. It needs time, so perhaps that nose will sort itself out. Drink 2018-2030+. Tasted September 2008.

Score: 93

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2018-2030+ 01 November 2008

The exotic, nearly over the top 2003 exhibits a southern Rhone-like characteristic of kirsch liqueur intermixed with raspberries and flowers. Sweet fruit, high levels of glycerin (the alcohol is less than 13.5%), and high but silky tannins have resulted in a broad, expansive, terrific example of Lafleur that should be at its finest between 2008-2025. Along with Petrus, this stunning, full-bodied 2003 is a candidate for the top wine of Pomerol.

Score: 95

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2008-2025 01 April 2006

This is a really long wine. It lasts for minutes on the palate. Full and dense yet refined and linear. Very racy, with plum, berry and floral character. Fantastic. No jam here. This is a wine that shows strength but maintains elegance. Superb. Best after 2012. 1,000 cases made.

Score: 97

James Suckling, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2012+ 31 March 2006

Very deep purple and a nose that is pure class and density. Nothing is overdone. There is extraordinary fragrance and real Cabernet Franc perfume (the proportion was 50 per cent in 2003 rather than the usual 40). Sweetness and gentleness on the palate. No force but nothing dilute. Lighter in body than many a Pomerol but nothing dilute and this may well take on weight in barrel. Very clean without obviously unripe tannins. (18+ Points)

Score: 18

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2008-2020 24 August 2005

Full ruby-red color. Ripe, smoky aromas of raspberry, plum, milk chocolate and spices; almost confectionery. Plump, round and impressively full, with slightly medicinal flavors. Tasted after the Trotanoy, this came off as less harmonious and vibrant, but fatter and fuller in the middle palate. Finishes with substantial ripe tannins and very good chocolatey persistence. Some early tasters have rated this wine more highly but today I find myself wanting a bit more energy in the mouth.

Score: 88 - 92

Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 01 May 2004

Your Lists & Checkout

New Arrivals

Advanced Search

wine regions

quick links

Lafleur 2003

Pomerol

search wines

Full wine List

RSS feeds

wine regions

join our mailing list