The difference between Les Pensées and Lafleur itself is almost invariably in the intensity, texture and weight in the mouth. The extraction time for Lafleur is no more than for its little brother, and both have just 20% new oak in this vintage, one of the lowest percentages at this quality level across the whole of Bordeaux, I would like to bet. And yet the ripeness and density of the fruit is full of impact, showcasing tannins that are fine but structured, with an explosion of black fruits and fresh mint leaf on the mid-palate, layered with graphite, slate, cigar box, and black pepper spice. It's going to last and last. Read more at https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews/france/bordeaux/chateau-lafleur-bordeaux-france-2015-3493#U036RvbPJ0wlBBrk.99

Very deep and dark fruits on the nose with black mushrooms and wet earth and just a hint of stones. Touch of rust. Full-bodied, tight and focused. Lots of tannins yet this is so polished under the surface of the wine. Draws you in and holds you with its unique personality. Some tile and clay character to it. Makes you think. Try in 2025.

The 2015 Lafleur is straight-up as good as it gets and is a monumental, legendary wine in the making. Made from close to an even split of Merlot and Cabernet Franc from this magical, tiny terroir in Pomerol, it reveals a saturated ruby/purple color as well as a stunning bouquet of black raspberries, kirsch liqueur, white truffles, earth, and an awesome sense of minerality. Deep, full-bodied, moderately tannic, and fabulously concentrated, all while remaining insanely elegant and seamless, it’s a profound wine that needs 4-6 years of bottle age and will keep for 3-4 decades.

Truffles and a garden of herbs, roasted plums, cherries, espresso and a background note of cocoa are only the first things you find. Once the wine leaves the glass, there is a wealth of concentrated, ripe fruits. Opulent, bordering on decadence, there is a balance between wild fruits and elegance. The complexities here allow you to continue exploring the wine with each sniff and sip. The finish remains with you for close to 50 seconds. This is a wine for aging, so be prepared to wait at least 15 or more years. I discovered that ""Bad Ass"" is a term only used by Americans as the phrase was not understood by the family during the tasting. But I can assure you, this is one bad ass wine.

The 2015 Lafleur is a blend of 54% Cabernet Franc and 46% Merlot. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it's profoundly scented of plum preserves, chocolate-covered cherries and blueberry pie with nuances of black olives, lavender, unsmoked cigars and cast iron pan plus a touch of Indian spices. The rich, medium to full-bodied palate is completely packed with tightly wound fragrant earth, black fruit and exotic spice layers, supported by perfectly ripe, wonderfully velvety tannins and seamless freshness. The epically long finish delivers a sum that is greater than the many compelling characters imparted on the nose and palate, whispering promises of a whole myriad of provocative finishes to discover throughout this wine's very long future. This exquisite masterpiece is not to be missed. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Lafleur 2015 is a blend of 51% Merlot and 49% Cabernet Franc and has a medium to deep garnet color. It shoots from the glass with opulent scents of baked blackberries, warm plums, and tar with nuances of violets, licorice, dark chocolate, and crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house, featuring firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing on a lingering fragrant earth note.