Lafleur 1990

This wine goes from strength to strength, and is developing even better than I initially expected. More backward than most of the big, Cabernet Sauvignon-based 1990 Medocs, it is full-bodied and viscous, but not as thick or oily as the 1982 can be. The 1990's fresh, pure black raspberry, incense, and minerality characteristics result in a young, legendary wine. Still deep ruby/purple to the rim as well as extraordinarily intense, it is 4-10 years away from full maturity, and should evolve for another 30+ years. It is an amazing achievement!

Tasted at the Pomerol Comparative Exploration tasting in London, the 1990 Lafleur was actually shown up by the 1989 on this occasion. Perhaps this is a wine that flourished in its youth but is beginning to show its age. Frankly, it was a little disappointing on the nose: muted at first and then gradually unfurling with undergrowth scents, bell peppers and white pepper. This feels a little loose-knit, leather, and hung game/dried blood scents emerging and ultimately dominant. The palate is fresh on the entry and much "cooler" than I expect insofar that it does not translate the heat of that summer. It is not quite as harmonious as previous bottles and especially compared to the brilliant 1989 it just seems to taper in towards the finish. I am being perhaps overly critical because it remains a great Pomerol, however, it is possibly beginning to find it difficult to keep up with the 1989. 2018 - 2025