Verkostungsnotizen
Vinous 89
Like many of its Right Bank counterparts, the 1996 Lafleur was compromised by a growing season that completely favoured the Left Bank. It just lacks brightness and vitality on the nose, which foregrounds gravel and leather but is missing the fruit behind it. The palate is simple with slightly dry tannins, but this is not an astringent Lafleur and there is a sense of balance on the Medoc-like finish. Not the best Lafleur by a long way, but I prefer it to the under-performing ’96 Petrus! Tasted from ex-chateau magnum at Kate & Kon’s 40-Year vertical in Austria.
Anticipated maturity: 2025-2034
Robert Parker 90
Tasted from an ex-chateau bottle at the Lafleur vertical dinner at Attersee in Austria, this is my first encounter with the 1996 and I was hoping that it was better than the disappointing Petrus 1996. It is better that its neighbour, although the challenging growing season seems to inhibit its ambitions. The nose is driven by the expressive Merlot component of the blend with lifted red fruit of raspberry, cranberry, black truffles and later accompanied by a hint of mocha. The aromatics seem to gain intensity in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and impressive fruit concentration. Powerful and burly, it does not possess the finesse or delineation of the 1995, but the sinewy finish is attractive. This is a Lafeur whose ambitions were stunted by the growing season. Tasted June 2012.
