Bordeaux 2024: Chateau Lafleur and the Guinaudeau family wines

Make sure it’s Chateau Lafleur! This is a wine that regularly transcends the vintage and in 2024 it is once again the very pinnacle of production. In a vintage such as this it is perhaps not surprising that a small vineyard with an ultra-attentive team has ultimately triumphed; they had the means, the know how and the dedication to produce a magnificent Lafleur - true to its place and an ideal realisation of this vintage.

As Omri Ram says, “this is clearly better than our 2021”, a wine that keeps impressing, but he’s right, the 2024 Lafleur is a cut above, a wine packed with layers of noble flavours supported by a fine architecture of tannins. This is another wonderful, vertical expression of Bouchet (old vine genetics of Cabernet Franc) from this exceptional gravel terroir. It came as no surprise that this was Neal Martin’s highest scoring red of the vintage, an accolade it thoroughly deserves. In fact, if anything we think Neal’s score may be a little conservative.

“The 2024 Lafleur was picked September 20 to September 30. It has a discrete bouquet which is unusual for Lafleur at this stage, very harmonious with a mixture of blackcurrant and graphite scents, erring towards Left Bank in style as this Pomerol is wont to do. The palate is medium-bodied with a dash of white pepper on the entry. There is an entrancing symmetry to this Lafleur, and it feels very composed and poised towards the finish, which the Bouchet [Cabernet Franc] has shaped. This is a multi-faceted Lafleur, which is some achievement in this growing season. It will be fascinating to watch evolve in bottle. 2030 – 2060” 95-97/100. – Neal Martin, vinous.com

As followers of the Guinaudeau wines will know, they are far from being a one trick pony. The whole range is superb. The majestic Pensees is one of the most expressive and seductive Pomerols of 2024, while the new kid on the block, Les Perrieres lights up the taste buds with its expression of Bouchet on deep limestone. An electrifying rendition of Lafleur’s genetic material. With several plots taken out of production at Grand Village, there’s a precision and sophistication not usually observed in a wine at this price point. And finally, we have the two whites, Les Champs Libres and Grand Village Blanc. Both are beautiful renditions bursting with notes of jasmine, citrus zest and pears. Neal Martin hails the Champs Libres as, “simply one of the best whites produced in 2024 in Bordeaux.”

“The 2024 Les Champs Libres, pure Sauvignon Blanc picked on September 10 and 11, takes a little coaxing from the glass to gradually reveal subtle white flower, beeswax and Anjou pear scents. The palate is well balanced with lime cordial and citrus fruit on the entry giving way to hints of Japanese yuzu and Clementine towards the poised and persistent finish. This is simply one of the best whites produced in 2024 in Bordeaux.” 93-95/100. – Neal Martin, vinous.com

As usual, volumes are limited so wines may be subject to allocation.