This is a crazy nose of tangerines and blueberries, with raspberries and mushroom and berries. Full-bodied, with ultra fine tannins. This wine is all about texture, with phenomenal tannins and subtle fruits that just make you think. Evocative. It is layered, yet changes all the time. I can't believe it really. Speechless. Amazes me. Try in 2020. James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
James SucklingScore: 100/100
As always, a measured wine - no extremes - but with the extra density of the vintage. Sublime texture. Tannins powerful but refined. Freshness and balance from the Cabernet Franc (53%). A long ageing wine of great distinction. Drink 2020-2050
DecanterScore: 19.5/20
A blend of 47% Merlot and 53% Cabernet Franc, the Merlot cropped the 16th, 17th and 23rd September and the Cabernet Franc on 28th September and 1st October, representing around 50% of production in 2009. A lucid purple hue, the Lafleur ’09 has a cerebral bouquet much like the 2008, but with perhaps a little more purity and femininity. Blackberry, a touch of small black cherry, some notes of violets coming through with aeration. The palate is full-bodied with firm, more masculine tannins than implied by the aromatics. deep broody dark fruits, blackberry, tar, graphite, more linear on the tightly wound finish where the minerality is really evident. More cohesive at this stage than any vintage I have tasted since the 2005, long and persistent towards the finish. Undoubtedly one of the wines of the vintage. Thrilling. Tasted April 2010.
Neal MartinScore: 98-100/100
An absolutely prodigious blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot, the 2009 Lafleur displays the tell-tale characteristics of this great estate. Kirsch liqueur, licorice and floral notes are intermixed with raspberry in a very full-bodied, super-intense, opulent and multi-dimensional style. Extraordinarily dense and pure, but not heavy by any means, the intensity, texture, and richness of the 2009 Lafleur are reminiscent of the perfect 1982. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040. Wine Advocate.February, 2012
Robert ParkerScore: 99/100
The nose is fascinating, with blackberry, black licorice, mineral, flowers and more. Full-bodied, with an incredible texture of ripe tannins and cashmere yarn. A tightly wound ball. What length too. This wine made me feel like getting in the lotus position and meditating. It's almost more than wine. Vinous Nirvana. I think the Cabernet Franc really gave that extra level to it all
Wine SpectatorScore: 97-100/100
47% Merlot, 53% Cabernet Franc. Dark and luscious. Gamey and animal on the nose. Sweet start. Super- luscious. Really polished and fragrant and gorgeous. Such succulence. Top notes. Really rich but light! Aérien! Just so racy and fine. Great structure under racy fruit. Just doesn't seem as though it’s trying at all! Lip- smacking, So neat! Real zest and elegance. The Cabernet Franc here was obviously a wonderful addition.Jancis Robinson, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MWScore: 18.5/20
Bordeaux / France