Pensées de Lafleur, Pomerol, 2011
Pensees always comes from a 0.5 hectare seam that cuts a diagonal strip across the vineyard. There is a clear dip here, which exposes a more normal Pomerol terroir without the top layer of gravel. Produced from 54% Merlot and 46% Cabernet Franc. For Baptiste, 2015 was the year when Merlots really shone. He can never remember this varietal performing so well. That is not to say the Cabernets are not wonderful too, but the Merlots add a sumptuous quality to the fruit, which is really quite enticing. The bouquet is utterly engaging, boasting a fine loganberry liqueur character, delicate spice, interspersed with floral red berry fruit. Lithe and very seductive; there are multiple layers of salty, mineral infused fruit wrapped in bone china tannins. This has real tension and poise and was hard to spit!
critic reviews
The 2011 Pensée de Lafleur has quite a high-toned, candied bouquet with brambly red fruit, star anis and graphite, fresh and with more energy than its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, bright red fruit laced with desiccated orange peel, tobacco and graphite, cohesive towards the finish with admirable length. This is showing well and should age nicely in bottle. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting.
The 2011 Les Pensees de Lafleur is a blend of 54% Merlot and 46% Cabernet Franc. Juicy raspberry and herbal notes are accompanied by a medium-bodied mouthfeel, excellent ripeness and texture, and a savory, forward component. This 2011 should drink well for 10-15 years.