Wines Pomerol Château Lafleur - 1990

Viniou Reviews

Château Lafleur 1990 from Pomerol is a rare and remarkable red wine, esteemed for its depth and refinement. Crafted predominantly from Merlot, with a notable proportion of Cabernet Franc, this wine perfectly illustrates the subtle yet powerful style of the appellation. The 1990 vintage is celebrated for its ideal growing conditions: a warm, dry summer allowed for perfect ripeness, leading to wines of superb concentration and silky tannins. Lafleur, a small estate of just 4.5 hectares, is renowned for its meticulous vineyard management and traditional vinification with minimal intervention. The gravel and clay soils here elicit extraordinary complexity and longevity, allowing this wine to continue developing for decades.

The Pomerol region, though compact, holds a legendary status in Bordeaux and indeed the world. Its unique terroir, characterised by iron-rich clay subsoils (known locally as "crasse de fer”) capped with gravel, is perfectly suited to Merlot, encouraging richness and opulence in the wines, yet with a backbone of freshness and minerality. Pomerol lacks the classification system of other Bordeaux appellations, but estates like Château Lafleur have achieved cult status through dedication to excellence. The region’s relatively mild maritime climate, tempered by the Gironde and Dordogne rivers, fosters consistent ripening and balance.

This Château Lafleur 1990 is a profound pairing for dishes featuring truffle, game bird, or rich roasted meats. Classic French dishes such as canard aux cerises (duck with cherries), tournedos Rossini, or a simple entrecôte bordelaise would create a memorable match. For a regional touch, serve with cèpes mushrooms sautéed in butter or a traditional lamb dish from the area.

For optimum enjoyment, decant the wine gently for at least an hour to awaken its complexity. Serve at a temperature between 17-18°C to reveal its deep aromas of plum, black cherry, tobacco, and subtle earthy nuances. This mature Pomerol is a vin de garde par excellence, and savouring it now promises a sublime experience.