Château Lafleur Gazin 2008

One of the properties under Jean Pierre Moueix control and management since 1976, this small chateau, located on the plateau of Pomerol, got its commercial name from its strategic position between Château Lafleur and Château Gazin, and its immediate neighbour is the great Petrus. But let’s not get alarmed by the exorbitant prices attained by its neighbours, this chateau is more reasonably and accessibly priced. This property of only 8 hectares has really come on over the past few years and now is a nice example of a Pomerol for Merlot lovers who are not familiar with Bordeaux wines.

Appearance

Classic, red garnet of medium intensity. Very clean.

Nose

Elegant fruit aromas nicely accompanied by toasted aromas reminiscent of coffee, black spice and smoke.

Palate

Velvety, medium weight. Ripe flavours and distinct hints of toffee. Spicy black fruit on the finish. Interesting.

Comment

The blend used for this wine does not usually alter much from year to year with around 80 percent Merlot complemented by Cabernet Franc. The vineyards are situated on the classic Pomerol soil structure, clay with medium gravel, and are an average of 30 years old. The wine is aged in oak barrels for 18 to 22 months resulting in a smooth and very honest red wine in a vintage that for many was a minor year and which is now showing itself to be excellent value for money. A straightforward, honest Pomerol which is well worth every cent, because it provides mutual pleasure when drunk as a wine that precedes more special wines. A great opening wine for a dinner with friends who are not experts in foreign classic cuts.