Les Pensées, Vin de France Rouge, 2025
Omri explained that spring was easy with no frost or mildew pressure. They had a beautiful flowering at the end of May and the water table was healthy. This underground reserve started to evaporate as the temperature rose. Cover crops were removed as they were competing for water and the height of the canopy was lowered several times, although the vines were allowed to grow horizontally to provide shade. The team also opened the soil every time there was any moisture to aid retention. Les Perrières is like a straight line, Les Pensées is a sphere. The contrast is extraordinary. The same genetic material, but different terroirs. Les Pensées opens with flamboyant, refined aromatics, a bouquet of violets, seductive plums and spices, with darker notes of chocolate and black cherry. The palate is also terrific, so refined and charming, the lightly creamy core gives this glistening movement. Waves of regal fruit, pure cassis, raspberry, salted morello cherry, clove and all spice. Very svelte and polished. Wonderful glide and texture. This is seriously good. Fresh, poised and polished. 67% Merlot, 33% Bouchet.
critic reviews
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.
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.