The 2017 Les Pensees de Lafleur is a Bordeaux blend that hails from the esteemed Pomerol sub-region of Bordeaux, France. Produced by Chateau Lafleur, this red wine features a balanced blend of 52% Merlot and 48% Cabernet Franc. With an alcohol content of 15%, it is presented with a traditional cork closure.
Several professional reviewers have lauded this vintage with high praise. James Suckling awarded it an impressive score of 95, describing it as having "deep, dark berries with lots of tree bark, black tea, and dark chocolate." He noted its medium-to-full body and praised the fine, polished tannins that give the wine form and focus, suggesting it will be even better after 2023 but is approachable now.
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com gave the wine a score of 92, highlighting its "floral nature, maraschino cherries, silky tannins, wet earth, and juicy plums." He recommended giving it a few years to age to allow it to expand and soften.
Vinous's Antonio Galloni was particularly enthralled, scoring it 94 and exclaiming that the wine is "simply stunning" and "more complete and enthralling than many Grand Vins in this vintage." He described it as "explosive, deep, and beautifully resonant."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also rated it 93, emphasizing its medium to deep garnet-purple color and vivacious scents of exotic spices. The publication noted that the palate is filled with juicy black fruits and spicy sparks, framed by firm, finely grained tannins.
Decanter's review, which gave the wine a score of 92, mentioned the effective use of 1,500 candles in the vineyard to protect against frost. They noted the wine's bouncy tannins and its serious character due to its clay soils.
Jeb Dunnuck awarded the wine 94 points, describing it as having a "beautiful bouquet of black raspberries, leafy herbs, damp earth, and hints of chocolate." He highlighted its gorgeous texture, impressive concentration, and fine yet building tannins.
The Wine Independent also gave it a 94, praising its “gorgeous perfume of violets, black cherries, and licorice” and noting its medium-bodied palate with fantastic freshness and exquisitely fine-grained tannins.
Overall, the 2017 Les Pensees de Lafleur is a highly regarded wine with excellent reviews across the board, indicating its strong potential for aging and its balanced, complex profile.