Pensées de Lafleur, Pomerol, 2017
The early mornings were definitely worth the effort! Pensees de Lafleur 2017 is absolutely exquisite. It is perhaps the most Lafleur like Pensees to date with a dash more Cabernet Franc than normal (48%). 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. The Cabernet really sings with aromas of violets, tobacco, cloves, tayberry and minerals. It really is quite haunting. On the palate, the fruit profile remains floral and fluid with layers of fine cassis, cranberry and pure, vibrant griotte. This is so complete and seductive, a thoroughly sleek and cohesive wine from a wonderful terroir. Exceptional.
critic reviews
While Lafleur is based on the gravel soils in Pomerol, Pensees is made from the vines on clay. The 2017 Pensees has 52% Merlot together with 48% Cabernet Franc and is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It slowly develops in the glass into a gorgeous perfume of violets, black cherries, and licorice with a core of redcurrant jelly, cast iron pan, and underbrush. Medium-bodied, the palate is tightly wound with fantastic freshness and exquisitely fine-grained tannins, finishing long with loads of floral and mineral layers.
The 2017 Pensees de Lafleur is a blend of 52% Merlot and 48% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it springs from the glass with vivacious scents of exotic spicescassia, fenugreek, cumin seed and star aniseover a core of black raspberries, wild blueberries and Black Forest cake plus a waft of roses. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is filled with juicy black fruits and loads of spicy sparks, framed by firm, finely grained tannins and a lively backbone, finishing on a lingering iron ore note.
The 2017 Pensées de Lafleur has a very harmonious bouquet with black cherries, iodine and light violet aromas that blossoms in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and quite structured for this particular cuvée. A beguiling, black pepper and pencil lead tinged finish lingers in the mouth. Excellent.