Scores
93
Robert Parker
A blend of 64% Merlot (harvested on September 23rd) and 36% Cabernet Franc (picked on September 30th), the 2024 Pensées de Lafleur is a sensual and remarkably pure expression of the vintage. Evoking aromas of rose, violet, flowers, cassis and cherries, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and sappy with a pure, polished and seamless mid-palate framed by powdery tannins, culminating in a long, ethereal finish delicately redolent of rose petals. While not as deep as in some previous vintages, this is nonetheless an especially graceful and refined interpretation of this cuvée, derived from vines growing in the part of Lafleur's vineyard through which a water course once flowed and where the soils are richer in clay and better hydrated (and farmed accordingly).
93
Vinous
The 2024 Les Pensées was picked September 23 to 30. This has quite a complex bouquet with blackcurrant, bilberry and light estuarine scents percolating through with time. The palate is quite arresting, one of the few Merlot wines with genuine grip and heft, but it maintains refinement on the peppery finish. The 2024 feels long and sustained and worthy of bottle age. It will develop wonderfully in time.
95
James Suckling
Solid and very precise, showing wonderfully integrated tannins with drive and focus. Polished and extremely poised. Medium-bodied, this has creamy texture and a long, vibrant finish. Reminds me of the superb 1995. A blend of 64% merlot and 36% bouchet (cabernet franc).
93
Decanter
This has a crushed velvet texture - very Pomerol with softly chewy fruit aligned to fine but salty, present tannins that give the cool, fresh outline of the vintage. Quite a serious take, especially on the finish, tightening up becoming more tense and chalky but there's no heaviness and it keeps finesse and elegance. Ends salty with liquorice, slate, graphite, tobacco and clove as well as lots of blueberry. A potentially excellent wine in the making here. Ageing 22% new oak.