Lafleur 2008 (750ML)

96 Points, Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate: "Tasted with Baptiste Guinaudeau, the 2008 Lafleur is a wine for which I have a lot of time, and as it approaches a decade old, it is beginning to loosen up a little. There is plenty of fruit on the nose-more than I have encountered on previous bottles, with a mixture of red and black fruit-and a hint of bell pepper and sage. The main difference is that those previously rigid tannin have loosened their collar in recent months; therefore, this Lafleur is now entertaining the notion of drinkability. There remains a linearity to this Lafleur-and there is still that backbone-yet it seems to flow nicely across the mouth, and there is superb mineralité on the finish. It's probably destined to be overshadowed by the succeeding two vintages, but I suggest you do not overlook the 2008 Lafleur." 6/17

94 Points, Robert Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate: "The 2008 Lafleur is a wine to buy from this very under-rated vintage. A blend of 54% Cabernet Franc and 46% Merlot, the wine has a similar color to the 2010, only less purple. With a beautiful nose of boysenberry , black cherry, damp earth and truffle-like notes in what is clearly a classic style, it is built in a masculine, full-bodied manner along the lines of the 1988 or perhaps 1996. This wine needs a good 5-7 years of cellaring and should keep 30 years. It is certainly one of the most backward 2008s from Pomerol." 5/11

96 Points, Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate: "Tasted with Baptiste Guinaudeau, the 2008 Lafleur is a wine for which I have a lot of time, and as it approaches a decade old, it is beginning to loosen up a little. There is plenty of fruit on the nose-more than I have encountered on previous bottles, with a mixture of red and black fruit-and a hint of bell pepper and sage. The main difference is that those previously rigid tannin have loosened their collar in recent months; therefore, this Lafleur is now entertaining the notion of drinkability. There remains a linearity to this Lafleur-and there is still that backbone-yet it seems to flow nicely across the mouth, and there is superb mineralité on the finish. It's probably destined to be overshadowed by the succeeding two vintages, but I suggest you do not overlook the 2008 Lafleur." 6/17