The 2018 La Fleur de Bouard Le Plus is a Bordeaux blend wine produced by La Fleur de Bouard in the Lalande de Pomerol sub-region of Bordeaux, France. The wine is made from 100% old vine Merlot and boasts an alcohol content of 15.0%. It is sealed with a cork closure and is characterized by its deep red color.
Highly praised by critics, this wine has received notable reviews for its richness and concentration. James Suckling awarded it a score of 94, describing it as having "aromas of blueberry, ripe cherry, chocolate, praline and cedar." He further notes that it is "full-bodied with firm, powdery tannins, framing a core of ripe blue fruit," and suggests that it will be better from 2025 (jamessuckling.com).
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com also gave it a 94, highlighting its "red, black and hints of blue fruit wrapped in dark chocolate covered espresso beans and licorice." He emphasizes the wine's "rich, full-bodied and concentrated" nature with "lush textures and velvety tannins," recommending 5-7 years of cellaring for optimal enjoyment.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated it 93, noting its "deep purple-black color" and describing it as "quite closed and broody to begin," but opening up to reveal "baked plums, warm black cherries, and kirsch." The review mentions "loads of earth and herbal accents" framed by rounded tannins and a long, spicy finish.
Jeb Dunnuck gave the highest score of 96, calling it a "beautifully textured, concentrated, and voluptuous beauty." He praises its "blackcurrants, cassis, smoked tobacco, graphite, and charcoal notes," and highlights its "ample structure and length," suggesting a drinking window starting in 2-4 years and extending over the following decade or more (jebdunnuck.com).
Decanter and Vinous both rated the wine 92, with Decanter noting the 2018 vintage's success and its "inky and deep color" with well-integrated oak and tannic structure. Vinous describes it as a "dense, opulent wine" with "raspberry jam, dried flowers, mint, licorice, and mocha," calling it "positively stellar" and a fabulous showing for the de Boüard family's flagship wine (Vinous).
Overall, the 2018 La Fleur de Bouard Le Plus is a robust and complex wine with significant aging potential, receiving high praise for its depth, concentration, and well-integrated flavors.