Chateau Lafleur 2008

Château Lafleur is one of Pomerol's most legendary estates, producing an exceptionally elegant wine with aromas of blackberry, black cherry, violet, graphite, truffle, cedar, and exotic spice. Silky tannins, remarkable freshness, and extraordinary concentration create a complex, age-worthy palate with exceptional precision and an enduring finish.

Food Pairing: Pair with beef Wellington, roast lamb, duck breast, venison, wild mushroom risotto, aged Comté, or truffle-infused cuisine.

96 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Tasted with Baptiste Guinaudeau, the 2008 Lafleur is a wine for which I have a lot of time, and as it approaches a decade old, it is beginning to loosen up a little. There is plenty of fruit on the nose—more than I have encountered on previous bottles, with a mixture of red and black fruit—and a hint of bell pepper and sage. The main difference is that those previously rigid tannins have loosened their collar in recent months; therefore, this Lafleur is now entertaining the notion of drinkability. There remains a linearity to this Lafleur—and there is still that backbone—yet it seems to flow nicely across the mouth, and there is superb minéralité on the finish. It's probably destined to be overshadowed by the succeeding two vintages, but I suggest you do not overlook the 2008 Lafleur.

96 Points - Vinous

The 2008 Lafleur is the surprise of the evening, and on this occasion, it had the audacity to outflank the 2009. Vivid blackberry, clove and crushed stone spring from the glass, bright and almost effervescent compared to the 2009. The palate has exquisite balance and poise, concentrated and structured yet more linear on the finish than the 2010. It gains persistency with aeration.

91 Points - Wine Spectator

A bright, fresh, very pure style, with raspberry and bitter cherry fruit flavors laced with judicious toast and a streak of red licorice. The nicely fleshy finish puts on weight as it airs in the glass, developing alluring notes of black tea and incense.