Perrieres de Lafleur 2023

The 2023 Les Perrières de Lafleur reveals aromas of violet, dark wild berries, spices and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, enveloping and deep, layered and textured, it has a good depth of fruit with powdery tannins, concluding with a saline, lead pencil-inflected finish. Crafted entirely from Cabernet Franc, it’s one of the most singular Les Perrières produced by Baptiste Guinaudeau and his team.

The 2023 Les Perrières is 100% Bouchets (Cabernet Franc) picked from September 20 to 27. The Merlot and Cabernet Franc evolved different profiles during the growing season, and during blending trials, the two did not complement each other. Consequently, the Merlots went into the Grand Village. This has a backward and very minerally bouquet, just a faint touch of white flowers tincturing the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with a strict, linear profile. A touch of sour cherry emerges on the saline finish. This is not a Les Perrières that will appeal to everyone, and it will need to be carefully partnered with whatever is on your table. I actually like it, but it’s not one for those seeking fruit.

This is really crunchy and pure with a black-cherry, orange-peel and mineral character. It’s medium-bodied with intensity and purity. Salty, minerally and vivid. Exciting. From limestone soils.

Les Perrieres 2023 is 100% Bouchet (Cabernet Franc). "This is the first time we've done 100% Cabernet Franc here, it is supposed to be a varietal copy of Lafleur. We loved the effect of the Cabernet Franc on the limestone this year." commented Omri Ram. It has a deep garnet-purple color and the nose is so floral with scents of roses and lavender opening out to reveal a core of redcurrant jelly, black raspberries, and fresh black cherries, followed by hints of pencil shavings and wild sage. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is graceful and energetic, prancing with vibrant red berry and floral-inspired flavors, supported by very fine-grained tannins and fantastic tension, finishing on a long, lingering, mineral note. This is stunning.

Fragrant tomato leaf, peony, fresh tobacco, with a saline hit from the first moments that runs through the blueberry fruits. This is a fascinating Les Perrières, really one that those who follow this label will be interested in getting hold of, because it is entirely Cabernet Franc for the first time. It's a little austere, as you might expect, but then this wine often is in its early years due to its limestone soils, and there is a purity and vibrancy underneath the fruit that is stunning, and roots you to the spot. Huge energy, vertical lift, wonderful. 33% new oak for ageing.

The 2023 Les Perrières is, unusually, 100% Cabernet Franc this year, as all the Merlot went into the Grand Vin. Bold, rich and explosive, the 2023 offers up copious red-toned fruit along with soaring floral and savory top notes. There's gorgeous depth and textural richness here, along with superb balance. The 2023 is an idiosyncratic wine, to be sure, but it works. Clean saline notes extend the finish.

100% Bouchet (Cabernet Franc). First time that Les Perrières has been all Bouchet (mass selection from Lafleur) with no Merlot. Cask sample.
Surprisingly more mineral than floral on the nose. Pure fruit on the palate with quite a bit of tension. Pin-point tannins with a chalky nuance and no exaggeration. Limestone terroir has the upper hand at the moment. (JL) 14.3%
Drink 2030 – 2038