Château Lafleur

Posted: : 28 October 2015
Modified on : 17 July 2026
par Didier frayssou
Advice
 
As a wind of modernity blows over Bordeaux — with, among other things, the renovation of several cellars at major estates (Cheval Blanc, Cos d'Estournel, Château Margaux) — some châteaux are betting on their traditions to captivate lovers of great wines. Such is the case of Château Lafleur.
Located in Pomerol, on the Certan plateau and adjoining Pétrus, this 4.5-hectare château cultivates, in contrast to the best-known of the Pomerol estates, Merlot and Cabernet Franc on an equal footing. The result of this blend of grape varieties is unique: wines that are refined, concentrated and of phenomenal length on the palate. As for the very particular soil with which it is endowed (gravel for the Cabernet Franc, deep clay beneath the gravel for the Merlot), it reflects a terroir of great complexity.
Lafleur was born in 1872 from the division of the Château du Gay, following an acquisition. Under the influence of André Robin, the son-in-law of the new owner, the motto became "Quality over quantity". This illustrates the château's distinguished profile. A confidential production, subsequently managed with passion by the Robin sisters, and since 2001 by the Guinaudeau family.

The only criticism one can make of Château Lafleur, aside from its rarity which sometimes earns it the label of garage wine, is that its wines require a great deal of patience. For the tannins to soften and the wine to reach its optimal maturity, one must sometimes wait nearly two decades, depending on the vintage. But it is worth it for critics such as Neal Martin, who describes the wines of Château Lafleur as "immortal". Others, such as the Revue des vins de France, praise the château's admirable consistency regardless of the vintage and the pure expression of terroir it offers every year. The scores awarded often border on perfection, with, for example, 19.5/20 for the 2010 vintage.

- Great vintages: 1975, 1979, 1982, 1989, 1990, 2000, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2014

– Fine vintages: 1978, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013

– Modest vintages: 1970, 1997, 2002, 2004

 

WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT US

5 good reasons to buy wines on V&M

...

EXPRESS DELIVERY

In a secure polystyrene packaging

...

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

Find out more about VAT-EX sale for outside EU deliveries

...

COLLECTION NEAR PARIS & VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS

Free collection in our warehouse near central Paris (92)

...