The 2008 Lafleur, a Bordeaux blend from the Pomerol sub-region of Bordeaux, France, is a captivating red wine produced by Chateau Lafleur. This wine boasts an alcohol content of 14.5% and is sealed with a traditional cork closure. It has garnered high praise from multiple esteemed reviewers, making it a standout in its category.
Neal Martin, writing for both Neal Martin's Wine Journal and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, awarded this wine an impressive score of 96. In his 2012 review for his Wine Journal, Martin noted that the 2008 Lafleur appears to be "shutting up shop a little on the nose," with aromas of dark berry fruit, cedar, and a touch of bell pepper. He described the palate as medium-bodied with "grippy, firm, dry tannins" and praised its "superb acidity" that cuts through the liquorice-tinged dark fruit. Martin highlighted the wine's broodiness and sense of introspection, suggesting that it will benefit from more time to soften.
Five years later, in his review for Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Martin observed that the wine is beginning to "loosen up a little," with a more pronounced presence of red and black fruit on the nose. He noted that the previously rigid tannins have softened, making the wine more approachable. Martin emphasized the wine's linearity and superb mineral finish, urging readers not to overlook this vintage despite the prominence of subsequent years.
John Gilman of View From The Cellar also gave the 2008 Lafleur a score of 96, calling it "an absolute classic in the making." Gilman praised its deep, pure bouquet featuring black cherries, red currants, coffee, and a complex base of soil. He described the palate as full-bodied and soil-driven, with ripe tannins, fine acidity, and excellent focus on a long, well-balanced finish.
Wine Spectator's JM rated the wine at 91, describing it as a "bright, fresh, very pure style," with flavors of raspberry and bitter cherry fruit. The review noted that the finish develops alluring notes of black tea and incense as it airs in the glass.
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com gave the wine a near-perfect score of 95, highlighting its "erotic cherries, truffle, chocolate, incense, and spice." Leve praised its rich, concentrated, and structured palate, suggesting that while it can be enjoyed now, it will benefit from additional aging.
In summary, the 2008 Lafleur is a highly acclaimed wine with a complex bouquet, firm tannins, and a long, balanced finish. Its structured nature and ability to evolve over time make it a noteworthy addition to any wine collector's cellar.