At a glance

Producer

Château Lafleur

Region

Pomerol, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Cabernet Franc (55%), Merlot (45%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$600-$900+

Tasting profile

Deep ripe black fruits, graphite, truffle notes, subtle floral hints, tight structure

Evolution: Will gain secondary and tertiary notes: earthy, leather, tobacco, mineral nuances over next decade

At peak: Complex layered aromas, silky tannins, great length and balance

Structure

Acidity

Moderate to high, balanced

Tannins

Firm and fine-grained

Alcohol

13.5%-14.0%

Aging potential

30-40+ years given top terroir, vintage, and producer

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2060

Optimal window

2024 to 2063

Current status

Approaching Early Drinkability, Still Youthful

Current condition

Firm tannins with developing complexity, some primary fruit still present

The 2016 vintage was excellent in Pomerol with ideal ripening conditions and balanced tannins. Château Lafleur’s meticulous viticultural and winemaking practices contribute to a wine with excellent structure and longevity, allowing it to develop complexity over 20+ years. The current approachability supports early enjoyment from about 8 years post-vintage, though the full potential reveals after 12+ years.

Food pairing

Pairs well with roasted lamb, duck breast with dark fruit sauces, game birds, aged cheeses, and mushroom dishes.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Youthful tannic structure benefits from aeration to soften and open aromas

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Château Lafleur employs sustainable vineyard management focusing on soil health, limited chemical use, manual harvesting, and selective sorting to minimize waste

While not certified organic or biodynamic, Château Lafleur pursues sustainability through careful vineyard stewardship, low intervention winemaking, and optimized resource use. The relatively small production footprint helps minimize environmental impact. Export logistics add to the carbon footprint but are typical for global fine wine distribution.