critic reviews
The 2003 Lafleur is a commendable Pomerol from a year when the appellation struggled. There is just a touch of blowsiness on the nose, which articulates the growing season more than the terroir with stewed plum, mulberry and a touch of melted tar. The palate is plump and powerful, rounded with lower acidity than other vintages (as you would expect), quite sweet with a touch of kirsch on the finish. Fine, if a bit unexciting and lacking Lafleur's DNA. Tasted from ex-château magnum at Kate & Kon's 40-Year vertical in Austria.
The exotic, nearly over the top 2003 exhibits a southern Rhone-like characteristic of kirsch liqueur intermixed with raspberries and flowers. Sweet fruit, high levels of glycerin (the alcohol is less than 13.5%), and high but silky tannins have resulted in a broad, expansive, terrific example of Lafleur that should be at its finest between 2008-2025. Along with Petrus, this stunning, full-bodied 2003 is a candidate for the top wine of Pomerol.