Tasting Notes
Neal Martin 94
The 1999 Lafleur was predestined to fall between two lauded vintages-nevertheless, it certainly should not be overlooked. This is what you might term a "useful" vintage that will drink earlier than the 1998 and 2000. The nose is quite savoury and more ferrous, and at one point I wondered whether there was just a touch of Brettanomyces. The palate, though, has fine delineation, a "cool" Pomerol that is shorn of frills by the cooler growing season. Its grainy tannins are tightly wound considering its 26 years of age, yet expressive Cabernet Franc lends a peppery character on the finish. This is ready to go but will continue to drink well for the next 20 to 25 years. Tasted from ex-château magnum at Kate & Kon’s 40-Year vertical in Austria.
Anticipated maturity: 2025-2045
Vinous 91-93
Red-ruby. Exotic, liqueur-like aromas of cherry, raspberry and five-spice powder. Offers terrific size and volume on entry, then a major wave of lush, fat fruit. Impressively ripe and mouthfilling for the vintage. Finishes very long and ripe, with big, palate-dusting tannins. One of the richest wines of the vintage.
Wine Advocate 93
This 1999 Pomerol seems to be entering a real sweet spot. Here it offers a sublime cocktail of aromas ” blackberry, briary, hedgerow and minerals, though it does not have the vigour of a top vintage. The palate is beautifully balanced with fine tannins and it is certainly more approachable than other vintages. I love the symmetry here, the nonchalance and grace. One of the best wines of the vintage. Tasted November 2012.
