1997 Lafleur

The 1997 Lafleur is a rather disappointing wine, one of the few under the tenure of Jacques and Sylvie Guinaudeau. Here, the 1997 is shown up by the 1998 and 1999, its shortcomings clear to see. It retains that earthy, rather loose-knit bouquet tinged with brine and decayed leaves. The palate is medium-bodied with rustic, slightly coarse tannin and it is beginning to show the first signs of dryness on the finish. There is no hurry to drink this. It is not going to fall apart. It is still under warranty. But it is not going to improve from a high point that was always relatively low by Lafleur’s standards. Tasted at the “International Wine & Business” Lafleur dinner at Ten Trinity, London.

From The Purple Notebook – Lafleur Dinner at The Groucho Club organised by Armit Still very deep purple with blueish notes. Looks much more than two years younger than the Pensées de Lafleur 1998. Smells quite youthful. Dense, still very powerful and almost tarry. Not scrawny. Just adolescent. Still slightly tannic. A bit of a dry finish. (JR)

The dark ruby-colored 1997 is impossibly tannic, with a tough texture and lean constitution. Paradoxically, the wine has weight, ripeness, and richness, but its dry, astringent finish is reminiscent of a 1998 Medoc. This wine's development is questionable, and I have serious reservations about its ratio of tannin to fruit. It may turn out to be excellent, but patience will be required. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2015.