Lafleur 2010

Bottled the previous May, the Lafleur 2010 has a classic, tertiary nose that unfurls slowly in the glass. It is surprisingly understated and is perhaps a little subdued after bottling, but it gradually reveals blackberry, briary, wild hedgerow and smoke. The palate is medium-bodied with a firm backbone. It is very fresh and similar to Petrus it displays the 'mannerisms' of a Left Bank Pauillac. The tannins are strict and linear, the fruit dark and broody at the moment. There is a citric thread that runs from start to finish, whilst the finish is foursquare and slightly aloof. This is a serious, long-term Lafleur, but not as approachable as the 2009. Every bottle should come with free 14th century Scottish castle cellar and a 20-year padlock. Tasted November 2012.

Soft, fruity, but very charming, this wine offers up plenty of ripe black cherry fruit intermixed with some incense, spice box and tobacco leaf. Drink it over the next 5-6 years.

This red shows such beautiful and ripe aromas of blackberries, orange peel, hazelnuts, and tropical fruits. It's full-bodied, with superb texture of polished tannins that are velvety. The length last for minutes. It's muscular yet elegant. It flexes it muscle yet pulls them back. What gorgeous tone to this young red. Try in 2020.