Pensées de Lafleur, Pomerol, 2011
Pensees de Lafleur is a rare beast in 2013. It is a second wine that really excels in this challenging vintage. As a general rule, this is a year where second labels are rather lacklustre. But the Guinaudeaus have produced a Pensees that is right up there with others' Grand Vins. It is not a blockbuster; it relies on its charm and refinement to seduce. The bouquet is quite reserved, a brooding melting pot of flowers, minerals sweet cherry fruit. This is extremely suave, with a beautiful core of cool fruit. Refined, graceful, elegant, it has the appearance of a delicate waif, but there is ample structure and concentration to age this for many years to come. A very serious second wine. 59% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Franc.
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.