Château Lafleur Gazin, Pomerol, 2017
This Jean-Pierre Moueix estate is well situated between Gazin and the original plot of La Fleur Petrus. The 8.75 hectare vineyard on clay, loess and gravel soils is planted with 94% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. It used to be a somewhat rustic style; however Edouard and Christian have transformed the wine here into a real beauty. The last two vintages were real successes and 2016 continues that trend, perhaps adding greater precision and tension. For the money, we doubt you'll find much better in Pomerol. Quite grown up - the Cabernet Franc adds lift and gives floral, bell-pepper notes. There's lots of sweet cranberry; this is vital and high toned with notes of plum, redcurrant, tobacco and just a hint of earth. It's juicy yet surprisingly sophisticated for a wine at this level with a fine tannic structure and a long finish of sweet wild berries.
critic reviews
The medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Lafleur-Gazin, 100% Merlot, displays delicate aromas of crushed cherries, Black Forest cake and baked plums with suggestions of star anise, fenugreek, unsmoked cigars and forest floor. Medium-bodied, the palate is chock-full of vibrant red and black berry layers, framed by nice, ripe, rounded tannins and bold freshness, finishing with a spicy kick.
The 2017 Lafleur-Gazin has a light bouquet with blackberry, raspberry and damp earthy/woodland aromas that need to muster more intensity but frankly, it’s just not in the mood. The palate is medium-bodied with plenty of red fruit tinged with dried blood and meat juice, quite a ferrous Pomerol with pleasing depth towards the finish. Not bad overall, but certainly a wine that I would consume within its first decade.