1970 Château Lafleur
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Robert Parker
Neal Martin
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Bottles of 1970 Lafleur could be a bit hit and miss. The best have a Left Bank inspired bouquet, no doubt thanks to the influence of the Cabernet Franc, with scents of cedar and seawater developing. The palate is harmonious and yet rustic with firm tannin (in keeping with the vintage) but occasionally a welcome citric edginess towards the finish. It does not rank against the 1975 or 1978, but it is still a decent if rather bucolic Lafleur.
The 1970 Lafleur has always been a muscular, big, full-bodied wine with funky, musty cellar aromas. The opaque garnet color is followed by aromas of sweet, smoky, roasted, animal, and herb aromas, combined with damp earth and Asian spices. With an undeniable coarseness and toughness (because of its astringent tannin), this is a huge, immature wine that I am not sure will ever come into complete harmony. Drink it now and over the next 20 years.
About the producer
The Société Civile du Ch. Lafleur is the collective name for the Guinaudeau family’s wines and estates. These are some of the Right Bank’s most famous wines, including Ch. Lafleur and Les Pensées in Pomerol, along with Les Perrières, Les Champs Libres and Ch. Grand Village in Fronsac.