The 1985 Lafleur is a magnificent Pomerol. That said, the bouquet seems discombobulated on the first pour and takes time to cohere. But cohere it does, manifesting entrancing scents of black cherry, peppermint/menthol, allspice and more violet-like aromas emerging with aeration. This has wonderful definition. It takes time for the Cabernet Franc to really express itself. The palate is medium-bodied, very well structured and quite savory now that it is broaching four decades in age. It has great depth, crescendoing with panache and sophistication toward the finish. The 1985 is a stunning example of a great Lafleur. Tasted at the Pomerol dinner at Cornus in London.

This is one of the greatest wines of the vintage, possibly the slowest-to-mature wine of the vintage, and potentially its longest lived. Tasted next to Petrus twice in 2002, the 1985 Lafleur seemed like it came from a different vintage. It was not herbal like the Petrus, far denser, the color more saturated than the Petrus, and more body, volume, and intensity than the Petrus. In fact, the Petrus looked like an emaciated, herbaceous, thin cousin to Lafleur. This wine is very special, with notes of figs, plums, minerals, violets, black raspberries, and licorice. Still a dense saturated ruby/purple with full body, great purity, and fabulous fruit, this is an immense vintage for Lafleur, and certainly ranks one of the great wines this small micro-estate has ever produced. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2030. Last tasted, 8/02.

Still very dark crimson and wild and rich on the nose – most exotic. Not fully resolved yet. Very vigorous and spicy but I do wonder whether the tannins will ever truly resolve themselves before the fruit starts to fade. (JR)