LAFLEUR, POMEROL 1989

base of neck; wrinkled and lightly glue stained labels

Neal Martin, Vinuous Media

The 1990 Lafleur replicated its performance at the Le Pin/Petrus/Lafleur dinner. This is a wine I adore, although it has lost some of its luster in recent years, as the 1989 exited its slipstream and glided past. The 1990 remains a great Pomerol, but I feel it may have slipped from its pedestal with age. (Enigma Variations: Lafleur 1955-2015; November 2018)

99 points James Suckling

I am almost always in awe of Lafleur and this is one of the best. This is so subtle at first, but then the enchanting aromas of olive leaves, ivy, licorice, tar and treacle wash over you. In your mouth it's as if you're putting exquisite, dusty velvet inside; the tannins make this wine round, fat and encompassing. Perhaps most startling of all is the freshness retained over the years despite the intense, dense fruit. It allows not only for a chewy finish, but one that makes you want to drink more. This has reached a plateau now and is perfect for drinking, though its tightly-knit structure implies yet more potential cellaring. I've always been a believer in the 1989 vintage, and Lafleur is one of the best. Decant two hours in advance. (6/2016)

98 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The Lafleur 1989 still has a very deep colour. Comparing it directly against the 1988, the aromatics are immediately much more complex, initially broody and biding its time and then unfurling to reveal sous-bois, cepes, sandalwood, black truffles and beef stock. The palate is tannic and assertive having lost none of its intensity over the passing years. There is just enormous weight and dimension, a juggernaut of a Pomerol. This bottle shows hints of dried blood, green tea and dried blood. It fans out wonderfully on the finish – a multidimensional wine that always leaves you lost for words. It is the kind of wine you fear would stalk you down a dark alley at night. (NM) (9/2013)

98 points Wine Spectator

Really decadent and powerful, delivering dried fruit and grilled meat. Very Porty, featuring red licorice and prune on the nose. Velvety and rich, with a full palate and amazing fruit of aniseed and black licorice. It goes on and on. What freshness and beauty. Delicate fruit, chocolate and berries. This is just opening up now. (JS, Web-2010)