Pensées de Lafleur, Pomerol, 2016
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 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc. This is a real mini-Lafleur - it really is such an aristocratic and finely textured wine. Initially floral with a glorious Cabernet character, cloves, tayberry, Goji and delicate minerals. The fruit is very fluid and has wonderful cohesion; vivid, savoury and red fruited. What a sleek and sophisticated Pensees that grows in stature and develops in the glass - we're sure there is much more to come. Bravo!
critic reviews
The 2016 Pensées de Lafleur puts in a very impressive showing. Black fruit, a hint of ash, black truffle and subtle marine scents feel very focused and assured. Lovely delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannins that outshine some of the Grand Vins poured at this Pomerol-themed dinner. Harmonious with a silky finish that belies its structure, this represents a marvellous Pensées. Tasted at the Pomerol dinner at Club Bâtard, Hong Kong.
A touch of gunsmoke reduction on opening, clearing to show superb dark fruit character, fragrant floral aromatics and a ton of luscious juicy tannins. This is right up there, vying for its place alongside many 1st wine 2016s in Pomerol that I have tasted today. Absolutely delicious, so creamy and yet so taut, hawthorn, cassis, black cherry and grilled vanilla bean. In a sweet spot but will age. Baptiste and Julie Guinaudeau owners.
While Lafleur is based on the gravel soils in Pomerol, Pensees de Lafleur is made from the vines on clay. The 2016 Pensees has 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc giving a deep garnet color, with a touch of purple. It delivers head-turning scents of preserved plums, boysenberries, and chocolate-covered cherries, leading to hints of crushed rocks, star anise, and fertile loam. Full-bodied, the palate delivers layer upon layer of black fruits and mineral accents, supported by ripe, rounded tannins, finishing long with loads of mineral and exotic spice sparks.
Blended of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Pensees de Lafleur opens with bold, tantalizing notes of crushed black cherries, wild blueberries and plum preserves with hints of kirsch, violets, dark chocolate and licorice with a waft of forest floor. Medium-bodied, the palate is amazingly elegant for the intensity of fruit with beautifully ripe, finely grained tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long and layered.