Pomerol 1989, une année caniculaire : le Château Lafleur 1989 est un vin rouge issu d’un assemblage de merlot et de cabernet franc, issus des vignobles exploités par la famille Guinaudeau. Cet été-là fut chaud et sec, avec des températures rivalisant avec celles de 1949, ce qui en fit la deuxième année la plus chaude jamais enregistrée depuis le début des relevés, juste après 1947. Grâce à cela, le merlot offrit une récolte abondante.
Ce niveau de maturité s’exprime pleinement dans le verre et se traduit par une bouche corsée et puissante. Les tanins sont fermes et enveloppent le palais, tandis que la finale est charnue et persistante.
Ce vignoble abrite cinq terroirs distincts, et les raisins de chaque terroir font l’objet de processus de vendange et de vinification séparés avant d’être assemblés. Il se dégustera idéalement d’ici 2040. Il peut être dégusté dès maintenant, mais le laisser reposer dans une carafe pendant environ deux heures adoucira les tanins.
Robert Parker (95)
Unfortunately, I have not seen as much of the 1989 Lafleur as I would have liked. In this particular tasting, the wine had closed down, and seemed somewhat muted and subdued when compared to my earlier notes. It is an enormous, full-bodied, tannic, powerful style of wine, with a dark purple color, an earthy, truffle, plum, licorice, and mineral-scented nose, full body, huge fruit and extract, and mouth-searing tannin in the finish. I would not open a bottle for 5-10 years. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2035.
Winespectator (97)
Very dark-ruby color. Cherry, blackberry and dark chocolate aromas. Full-bodied and powerful, with loads of tannins and chunky fruit. Closed, not giving away much right now; give it time. Typically muscular Lafleur.--1989 Bordeaux horizontal.
James Suckling (99)
I am almost always in awe of Lafleur and this is one of the best. This is so subtle at first, but then the enchanting aromas of olive leaves, ivy, licorice, tar and treacle wash over you. In your mouth it's as if you're putting exquisite, dusty velvet inside; the tannins make this wine round, fat and encompassing. Perhaps most startling of all is the freshness retained over the years despite the intense, dense fruit. It allows not only for a chewy finish, but one that makes you want to drink more. This has reached a plateau now and is perfect for drinking, though its tightly-knit structure implies yet more potential cellaring. I've always been a believer in the 1989 vintage, and Lafleur is one of the best. Decant two hours in advance.
Jancis Robinson (19)
Very rich and full and unctuous. Very long and fab.
Vinous (98)
The 1989 Lafleur is now asserting itself as the best of the 1988/19889/1990 triumvirate, and that means it is very good. The bouquet is utterly entrancing from first acquaintance, with effervescent and multi-faceted brambly red fruit, black truffle, earthenware and light roasted chestnut scents—quintessential Pomerol. The palate has plenty of concentration, though the passing years have tempered that, smoothing the tannins and manifesting a cornucopia of secondary dried blood and chestnut notes. I cannot remember bottles being quite as elegant as this magnum, and the peacock's tail on the finish is something to behold. Utterly sublime.
Rene Gabriel (19)
Rene Gabriel rates this wine 19/20 points.
