Pomerol 1989, een warm jaar: De Château Lafleur uit 1989 is een rode wijn, samengesteld uit Merlot- en Cabernet Franc-druiven die zijn geteeld in wijngaarden die door de familie Guinaudeau worden beheerd. Die zomer was warm en droog, met temperaturen die vergelijkbaar waren met die van 1949, waardoor het het op één na warmste jaar werd sinds het begin van de metingen, na 1947. Hierdoor leverde de Merlot een overvloedige oogst op.
Deze rijpheid komt volledig tot uiting in het glas en de wijn heeft een volle, robuuste smaak. De tannines zijn stevig en omhullen het gehemelte, terwijl de afdronk stevig en langdurig is.
Deze wijngaard herbergt vijf verschillende terroirs, en de druiven van elk terroir ondergaan afzonderlijke oogst- en wijnbereidingsprocessen voordat ze worden gemengd. Deze wijn komt het best tot zijn recht tot 2040. Hij is nu al prima te drinken, maar door hem ongeveer twee uur in een karaf te laten staan, worden de tannines zachter.
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.
