This is a really long wine. It lasts for minutes on the palate. Full and dense yet refined and linear. Very racy, with plum, berry and floral character. Fantastic. No jam here. This is a wine that shows strength but maintains elegance. Superb. James Suckling

The exotic, nearly over the top 2003 exhibits a southern Rhone-like characteristic of kirsch liqueur intermixed with raspberries and flowers. Sweet fruit, high levels of glycerin (the alcohol is less than 13.5%), and high but silky tannins have resulted in a broad, expansive, terrific example of Lafleur that should be at its finest between 2008-2025. Along with Petrus, this stunning, full-bodied 2003 is a candidate for the top wine of Pomerol.

From the first minute your nose hovers over the glass, you get a burst of saffron and black pepper spice. This is a different interpretation of Lafleur from the other vintages in the line-up and reveals the fingerprints of a year that was extreme in its heat. A canary in the coalmine for drought-like conditions that have become more common in recent years, but one that here has been tamed by the seductive richness of Lafleur. It doesn't have the length of the 2002 and 2001, but is hugely appealing, with concentrated berry fruit aromatics and a rich, velvety texture. The gravel soils of Lafleur don't retain a ton of water, so they had to work extremely hard to ensure the vines were able to cope, and the higher level of Cabernet Franc in the blend is key to the freshness that is still evident. It opens in the glass to reveal layers of liquorice, chocolate, raspberry coulis and graphite. Drinking Window 2019 - 2038
Tasted by Jane Anson (at The Landmark Hotel London, 02 Nov 2019)
Part of Producer profile: Château Lafleur

Tasted at Bordeaux Index’s “10-Year On” tasting in London. The Lafleur 2003 shows its class on the nose with better definition than its Pomerol neighbours: lovely gamey notes coming through with bacon fat and roasted chestnuts that at least give it a sense of personality. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and perhaps this is evolving into a more feminine Lafleur than expected – certainly approachable with fine cohesion. The difference here is that Jacques Guinaudeau’s wine shrugs off the merciless heat of the vintage, is not oppressed by it. It is not a top tier Lafleur and is outclassed by Petrus, but it remains an enjoyable Pomerol. Tasted March 2013.

Full ruby-red color. Ripe, smoky aromas of raspberry, plum, milk chocolate and spices; almost confectionery. Plump, round and impressively full, with slightly medicinal flavors. Tasted after the Trotanoy, this came off as less harmonious and vibrant, but fatter and fuller in the middle palate. Finishes with substantial ripe tannins and very good chocolatey persistence. Some early tasters have rated this wine more highly but today I find myself wanting a bit more energy in the mouth.