critic reviews
I have tasted the 2009 Lafleur several times, but on this occasion it is surpassed by not only the 2010, but the 2008. It doesn't quite have the delineation of those vintages, powerful and burly on the nose with a mixture of blueberry and blackberry, not as ferrous as previous bottles, but just requiring a little more delineation. The palate has weight and concentration in spades, lacquering the mouth with tannins. This gargantuan Lafleur delivers in dimension, but is not as sophisticated as other vintages. More impressive than classy by Lafleur's standards. Tasted from ex-château magnum at Kate & Kon's 40-Year vertical in Austria.
An absolutely prodigious blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot, the 2009 Lafleur displays the tell-tale characteristics of this great estate. Kirsch liqueur, licorice and floral notes are intermixed with raspberry in a very full-bodied, super-intense, opulent and multi-dimensional style. Extraordinarily dense and pure, but not heavy by any means, the intensity, texture, and richness of the 2009 Lafleur are reminiscent of the perfect 1982. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040.