2022, Les Pensées, AOC POMEROL (Ch. Lafleur)

Bordeaux Blend: Bouchets (Cabernet Franc), Merlot. 

Founded in 1987 by Sylvie and Jacques Guinaudeau, Les Pensées is situated among the greatest vines of the plateau of Pomerol. The wine derives from a small stretch of Pomerol-clay (0.68 ha) in the center of Lafleur’s gravel-dominated vineyard. This makes of Les Pensées a unique interpretation of Lafleur.

You'll find the density of Pomerol in abundance here, along with creamy fruit on the opening beats, but as it travels through the palate things close in, and the salinity arrives. Has a fingerprint of the warmth of the vintage, with ripe figs and a ton of toasted spice, but give it time, and the power and focus breaks through, with fresher blueberry and black cherry fruits appearing, and the linearity of the tannic construction. A touch of welcome bitter chocolate on the finish, and this is a thoroughly charming Pensées de Lafleur. 94 Jane Anson

The 2022 Pensées de Lafleur unwinds in the glass with aromas of raspberries, plums, Indian spices, liquorice and black truffle, followed by a medium to full-bodied, deep and harmonious palate that's seamless and layered, exhibiting beautiful balance and concluding with a long, perfumed palate. As readers will remember, this cuvée derives from vines growing in the part of Lafleur's vineyard through which a water course once flowed and where the soils are richer in clay and better hydrated. 94-96 William Kelley.

The 2022 Les Pensees de Lafleur opens with striking aromatics. Bright red-toned fruit, wild flowers, mint, spice and blood orange are beautifully delineated. In 2022, the Les Pensees is especially sensual, with silky tannins that wrap it all together. 91-93 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.

Drinking Window: 2030 - 2047