(96-98 points) (Vin de France; 67% Merlot, 33% Bouchet [Cabernet Franc]; 13.5% ABV; tasted with Baptiste Guinaudeau at Lafleur). Here we return to Pomerol Bouchet, with cedar, black cherry and blueberry, a little confit blueberry, violet, lily of the valley and lilac. The cedar floods through with just a little aeration – like the rest of the wine it really wants to show itself to us. Sublime. Divine. Incredibly succulent, incredibly layered, deep, profound, and with a freshness and an energy that is totally dynamising. Explosive and exuberant, with a luminous crystallinity and a gentle pixelation from the tannins that is remarkable – and brilliant. Almost punk in its pop art perfection. So racy and exciting. Transcendant. One of the most exciting primeurs samples I've ever tasted. 96-98

(94-96 points) Framboise, flowers, and graphite all define the 2025 Les Pensées, a blend of 67% Merlot and 33% Bouchet that brings a rare sexiness in this vintage. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, this classic Pomerol second wine from Lafleur is beautifully textured, with perfect balance, ripe, polished tannins, integrated acidity, and a great finish. As I've written many times, it's better than most top Pomerol in any vintage.

(94-96 points) Unwinding in the glass with aromas of dark berries, cherries, licorice and truffle, framed by a deft touch of oak, the 2025 Pensées de Lafleur is medium- to full-bodied, rich and velvety, with an enveloping core of fruit, bright acids and a rather muscular, broad-shouldered profile. Impressive but distinctly serious, this is a structured Pensées that will reward patience.

(94-96 points) The 2025 Les Pensées was picked from 28 August until 12 September. It has slightly darker fruit, a light marine influence, touches of oyster shell infusing the redcurrant and cranberry fruit. Quite open. The palate is very finely balanced, poised and minerally, with wonderful vivacity and poise, and real sapidity towards the finish that lingers in the mouth. This is an outstanding Les Pensées. - By Neal Martin on May 2026

(93-95 points) Plums, chocolate, flowers, charcoal, and black cherries with just a hint of espresso fill the aromatic profile. The palate is juicy, creamy, chocolatey, and concentrated with layers of sweet, dark plums, black with red cherries, and espresso beans. There is length, and lift at play from start to finish. The wine blends 67% Merlot with 37% Cabernet Franc. The harvest took place August 28 - September 12. Drink from 2028-2045. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2025&wine=Lafleur%20Vin%20de%20France%20Les%20Pensees

(93-95 points) Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2025 Pensées de Lafleur strolls confidently out of the glass with classic notes of fresh black plums, black cherries, and juicy raspberries, followed by nuances of pencil shavings and iron ore. The medium-bodied palate offers a solid structure of firm yet velvety tannins and a refreshing line supporting the dense black and red fruit layers, finishing long and earthy. The blend is 67% Merlot and 33% Bouchet (Cabernet Franc).

Rose petal aromatics, ushering in juice, lift and amplitude. Grilled almonds, marzipan, anis, fennel, layered through luscious raspberry and damson fruits. Expansive and nuanced, delicious. 33% new oak. Harvest August 28 to September 12.

(91-94 points) Smooth and silky nose, notes of soft liquorice. Made on Pomerol clay, this is a juicy, soft and intriguing wine that will be very appealing even in it’s youth. Very subtle, silky and round aftertaste supported by a finely textured minerally fruit.