95-100 / 100
Noncontractual photographs
HENRI BONNEAU Réserve des Celestins 2000
Châteauneuf du Pape
Charmes Chambertin
CARRUADES DE LAFITE Magnum 2000
Pauillac
REMIZIERES Cuvée Emilie Magnum 2000
Hermitage Rouge
ARMAND ROUSSEAU Clos Saint Jacques 2000
Gevrey Chambertin
Saint Estèphe
POMMERY Cuvée Louise Magnum 2000
Champagne
I am not surprised the 2000 Lafleur has garnered the magical three-digit score. From bottle, the wine boasts a dense plumpurple color in addition to a gorgeous nose of kirsch liqueur intermixed with hints of black truffles, raspberries, and minerals. The tannin is present, but seems to creep up only upon intense inspection. Lafleur is enormously endowed, rich, and full-bodied, with a tremendous chewiness and, at the same time, sensuality. Pure, massive, and rich, with exceptional levels of glycerin and fruit nearly concealing high levels of tannin, and a 60+ second finish, this is a remarkable achievement, and ... just maybe the finest Lafleur since the 1982.
A hand-crafted, exciting wine. Solid as rock. Bright aromas of violets, berries, cherries and lilacs. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and superbly refined, silky tannins. Long finish. This is a remake of the superb 1998. Much better than I found it in barrel.