Chateau Lafleur   Lafleur

2003 Lafleur

By Chateau Lafleur

2003 Lafleur from Chateau Lafleur, Pomerol, Bordeaux

The 2003 vintage in Bordeaux was one for the annals, a year that bore the brunt of an exceptionally blistering summer. Amidst this climactic fervour, Chateau Lafleur's quality diligence has sculpted a wine that encapsulates the power and poise synonymous with the finest Pomerol has to offer.

 

Mastery Over Meteorology: The 2003 Vintage

In conditions where lesser vines would wilt, the stoic Merlot and Cabernet Franc at Chateau Lafleur endured. The 2003 Lafleur is a testimony to the fortitude of these venerable vines, an exquisite blend that thrived amidst adversity. It seizes the concentrated opulence gifted by the relentless sunshine yet preserves an astonishing equilibrium and complexity.

 

A Connoisseur's Chronicle: The Evocative Elixir

Tasting the 2003 Lafleur is a journey into the depths of dark fruits and profound earthiness. One finds oneself ensconced in layers of plums and black cherries interwoven with truffle and smoky cedar nuances. The passage of time has gently ushered its tannins into supple textures, with enough vim to assure further ageing potential.

Unwavering in structure, the wine bears an elegance that belies the heat of its vintage—a testament to meticulous vineyard management and deft winemaking at this esteemed estate. The 2003 Lafleur is undeniably a collector's beacon, a venerable example of investment-worthy wine that aligns longevity with the irresistible allure of ready complexity.

Cognisant investors will note the rarity of such vintages. As it strides into its third decade, this Pomerol majesty offers not just a superior sipping experience but also resplendent value appreciation potential—qualities that engrave its name in fine wine portfolios worldwide.

Current market price

$9,860.00

12x75cl

Highest score

95

POP score

395.33

Scores and tasting notes

95

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.

Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #164 April 2006

93

Tasted at Bordeaux Index's '10-Year On' tasting in London. The Lafleur 2003 shows its class on the nose with better definition than its Pomerol neighbours: lovely gamey notes coming through with bacon fat and roasted chestnuts that at least give it a sense of personality. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and perhaps this is evolving into a more feminine Lafleur than expected

Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013

Vintage performance