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. -
Lamb navarin with spring vegetables
Cabernet Franc floral notes match the herbal brightness of spring vegetables; Merlot fruit wraps the lamb. -
Mushroom tart with goats cheese
Earthy mushroom and fresh goats cheese match the Pomerol mineral edge and soft fruit.
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.
- 1984 — First vintage of Pensees de Lafleur produced as a separate wine
- 2018 — Renamed to Les Pensees to signal distinct terroir identity
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau Lafleur
- 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
Scores
- Wine Advocate 96 (2022 vintage, reviewed 2024)