Lafleur 1999

The 1999 Lafleur was predestined to fall between two lauded vintages—nevertheless, it certainly should not be overlooked. This is what you might term a "useful" vintage that will drink earlier than the 1998 and 2000. The nose is quite savoury and more ferrous, and at one point I wondered whether there was just a touch of Brettanomyces. The palate, though, has fine delineation, a "cool" Pomerol that is shorn of frills by the cooler growing season. Its grainy tannins are tightly wound considering its 26 years of age, yet expressive Cabernet Franc lends a peppery character on the finish. This is ready to go but will continue to drink well for the next 20 to 25 years. Tasted from ex-château magnum at Kate & Kon's 40-Year vertical in Austria. 2025 - 2045

Tight and rich. Gorgeous, subtle aromas of blackberry, milk chocolate and licorice. Full bodied, with a good core of fruit and silky tannins. Long and racy. serious lafleur. best after 2005. 2080 cases made.