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Profile
Structure
Drinking window
Latest scored vintage 2022: best 2027 to 2042.
vintage5 yrs20 yrs22 yrs
Critic scores
| Critic | Vintage | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Wine Advocate reviewed 2024 | 2022 | 96/100 |
Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.
In the glass
Aroma: red cherry, plum, floral lift, violet, pencil shavings, iron
Palate: juicy red berry, medium-full body, supple tannins, Pomerol mineral core, fresh acidity
Produced from a separate 0.8-hectare crescent parcel with deeper soils, Les Pensees is not a second wine but a distinct expression of the Lafleur terroir. More Merlot-forward than the grand vin, with the same biodynamic farming and iron-mineral character.
What it pairs with
- Duck confit with lentils Medium body and red cherry fruit complement rich confit duck; earthy lentils echo the iron-mineral notes.More wines for duck and goose →
- Lamb navarin with spring vegetables Cabernet Franc floral notes match the herbal brightness of spring vegetables; Merlot fruit wraps the lamb.More wines for lamb →
- Mushroom tart with goats cheese Earthy mushroom and fresh goats cheese match the Pomerol mineral edge and soft fruit.More wines for mushrooms and truffles →
How to serve Les Pensees de Lafleur
Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Duck confit with lentils, Lamb navarin with spring vegetables, Mushroom tart with goats cheese. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Created in 1984 by the Guinaudeau family as an independent expression from a separate parcel rather than a declassified second wine. Originally called Pensees de Lafleur; renamed Les Pensees from the 2018 vintage to better reflect its distinct terroir identity. Produced in small volumes of approximately 250 cases per year.
- 1984First vintage of Pensees de Lafleur produced as a separate wine
- 2018Renamed to Les Pensees to signal distinct terroir identity
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau Lafleur · visiting guide
- Grapes
- Merlot (60%), Cabernet Franc (40%)
- Classification
- Pomerol AOC
- Oak
- 15 months in French oak, lower proportion new wood than the grand vin
- ABV
- 14.0%
- Price
- €170-270 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-20 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1984
- Biodynamic
- Biodynamic Practicing
- Organic
- ECOCERT
Frequently asked about Les Pensees de Lafleur
What does Les Pensees de Lafleur taste like?
On the nose, red cherry, plum, floral lift, violet, pencil shavings. On the palate, juicy red berry, medium-full body, supple tannins, Pomerol mineral core, fresh acidity. Structurally medium-bodied, medium tannins, high acidity with a medium-long finish. Produced from a separate 0.8-hectare crescent parcel with deeper soils, Les Pensees is not a second wine but a distinct expression of the Lafleur terroir. More Merlot-forward than the grand vin, with the same biodynamic farming and iron-mineral character.
When should I drink Les Pensees de Lafleur?
Drink 5-20 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Les Pensees de Lafleur?
Duck confit with lentils is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Lamb navarin with spring vegetables and Mushroom tart with goats cheese. Medium body and red cherry fruit complement rich confit duck; earthy lentils echo the iron-mineral notes.
What grapes are in Les Pensees de Lafleur?
The blend is Merlot (60%), Cabernet Franc (40%). The wine is classified as Pomerol AOC.
Tags
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