There is no denying that Chateau Lafleur stands among Bordeaux's greatest wines and ranks as one of Pomerol's finest achievements. Established in 1872, it quickly gained recognition for its understated elegance and fiercely independent spirit. Lafleur remains refreshingly unpretentious, a true reflection of the family’s singular focus on the vineyard and the wine itself. Unlike many Bordeaux estates that have changed ownership over the years, Chateau Lafleur remains in the same family’s care.
The vineyard spans about 4.5 hectares in a rectangular layout at the heart of the Pomerol plateau. Its diverse soil types create a distinctive terroir, with equal portions of Cabernet Franc and Merlot planted to enhance complexity and structure. What makes Lafleur so extraordinary isn’t just its exclusiveness or its ability to rival the likes of Petrus, but it is the wine’s unmistakable character. The vines are notably old, adding concentration and depth to the wine. While Merlot brings depth and plush fruit, Lafleur’s unusually high proportion of Cabernet Franc adds a backbone of complexity, minerality, and aromatic lift. The wine is rich with exotic, ripe dark cherry flavours and a mineral essence, promising an exquisite tasting experience.
Lafleur wines continue to captivate enthusiasts. Since Robert Parker’s first visit in 1975, he has frequently highlighted Lafleur and praised it as "one of the most distinctive, exotic, and greatest wines—not just in Pomerol, but worldwide." His endorsements have propelled Lafleur into the international limelight, making it one of Bordeaux's most coveted wines.