An impressively tight and solid wine from Lafleur with dark-berry, chocolate and spice character as well as some white-pepper and salty undertones. Full-bodied, very tight and focused. A really pretty young 2017. - jamessuckling.com, April 2018

The second wine of Chateau Lafleur which comes from a small, clay-dominated part of the estate vineyard, the 2017 Pensees De Lafleur is 53% Merlot and 47% Bouchet aged 15-16 months in 20-25% new barrels. Its deeper ruby color is followed by a beautiful bouquet of black raspberries, leafy herbs, damp earth, and hints of chocolate as well as a beautiful sense of minerality. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, it has a gorgeous texture, impressive concentration, fine yet building tannins, and a great finish. The tannins here are brilliant, and this is simply pure class. Drink it over the coming 15-20 years.

Selection from different soils of the phenomenal, tiny-production Lafleur. Often reaches heights which would put many grand vins to shame. Engaging, savoury, dry and yet intensely fruited and brimful of red cherry and strawberry fruit. A real core of dense red and black fruits, all blackcurrant and plum, with excellent earthy minerality and a black olive skin counterpoint. Lovely supple texture. - April 2018

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. www.vinous.com

Deep crimson. Some violet on the nose and deep and long on the palate. Less charm and more depth than in previous vintages. But opens up to red fruit. Chewy chocolate texture and a delicious hint of spice – nutmeg? – on the mid palate. Caressing depth of tannin texture. Long as well as deep. - Julia Harding, jancisrobinson.com, April 2018