2001 Lafleur
By Chateau Lafleur
2001 Lafleur from Chateau Lafleur, Pomerol, Bordeaux
The millennium brought forth a myriad of triumphs and challenges for vintners across the storied landscape of Bordeaux; among these narratives, the 2001 Lafleur from Chateau Lafleur shines as an articulate expression of the year's unique conditions. For sophisticated palates contemplating wine investment or seeking unparalleled tasting journeys, this Pomerol offers an intriguing chapter in the annals of fine wine.
Bordeaux Balancing Act: The 2001 Vintage
While the year was not as sun-drenched as its predecessor, it was precisely the cooler weather and later harvesting that crafted the singular quality of the 2001 Lafleur. This particular vintage speaks with elegance rather than opulence, delivering a measured composition rare for Pomerol's usually lavish style. What might have been understated at its birth, has unfolded over the years into a sophisticated assemblage of depth and complexity.
The Nuanced Narrative of a Notable Vintage
Tasting the 2001 Lafleur from Chateau Lafleur is akin to perusing a gallery of sensory masterpieces. Each sip reveals layers; initially a latticework of blackberry and truffle then unveiling subtler strokes of leather and an earthbound minerality that pays homage to Pomerol's hallowed soils. The tannins, once assertive in their youth, have mellowed to a creamy finesse enhancing the overall structure.
In an economic tapestry where fine wines increasingly hold sway as robust assets, wines like the 2001 Lafleur stand out. For investors, this Pomerol represents not merely a pleasure for the palate but a meaningful addition to any diversified luxury portfolio.
As my own decades spent tracing the contours of fine viticulture suggest, certain vintages contain whispers of immortality. The 2001 Lafleur from Chateau Lafleur may just be one such whisper - endowed with vibrancy and nuance enough to suggest its voice will carry well into future conversations on incomparable Bordeaux wines.
Market price (CAD)
$10,390.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
390
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted from an ex-chateau bottle at the Lafleur vertical dinner at Attersee in Austria, the 2001 is destined to be over-shadowed by the imperious millennial Lafleur. But do not ignore this fabulous Pomerol. It has a brilliant bouquet rich in minerals that infused the pure blackberry and raspberry fruit. It seems to shimmer in the glass, offering hints of violet and crushed rose petals with continued aeration. The palate is full-bodied and struck through with a crisp seam of acidity that slices through the multi-layered, tobacco tinged blackberry and dark cherry fruit, before fanning out to a vivacious, almost Pauillac-like finish. This is a wonderful Lafleur destined for long-term ageing. Tasted June 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Sep 2013
Performing slightly less impressively from bottle than it did from cask, this wine's Cabernet Franc element has come forward, revealing a distinctive herbal, bell pepper, vegetal character that kept my score from going higher. Nevertheless, there is plenty to like about this 2001 Pomerol. It possesses a saturated ruby/purple color, powerful aromas (kirsch liqueur, raspberries, and blackberries), an earthy, muscular, chunky character, and the most tannic personality of any Pomerol I tasted. While not the huge blockbuster Lafleur can often produce, it is well-built. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #153 June 2004