Château Lafleur Gazin Château Lafleur Gazin

Pomerol, France

Vintage:2020 (Current)

2012 (Past) | 2014 (Past) | 2015 (Past) | 2016 (Past) | 2017 (Past) | 2018 (Current) |

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Château Lafleur Gazin Château Lafleur Gazin  2020
  • JD 94
  • VP 94
  • WS 92
  • WA 92
  • TWI 92

Reviews

VinePair 94 Points, #7 Top 50 Best Wines of 2024 June 24, 2024, Keith Beavers

This vineyard in Bordeaux's esteemed Pomerol region has been producing Merlot fruit since 1976. This bottle shows just how expressive and elegant a wine from this variety can be — and is worth every penny. It has a soft and earthy nose of soil, oak, and some balsamic. The palate is elegant with a plush mouthfeel that's slightly contrasted by a welcome hint of bitterness on the finish.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points April 6, 2023, William Kelley

The 2020 Lafleur-Gazin is the first year produced under the ownership of J-P Mouiex, and a stricter selection of parcels was made in this vintage than hitherto. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of sweet cherries and berries mingled with notions of licorice, violets and new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and concentrated, with sweet, powdery tannins that frame its generous core of fruit.

Wine Spectator 92 Points March 31, 2023, James Molesworth

Plush and open in feel, with enticing mulberry and boysenberry puree carried by a silky structure. Ends with incense and black tea accents. Drink now through 2033. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points March 29, 2023, Jeb Dunnuck

All Merlot, the 2020 Château Lafleur-Gazin is a charming, layered Pomerol that has already accessible aromatics of red and black fruits, cedarwood, tobacco leaf, and camphor. Nicely textured and medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has terrific balance and will evolve for 15-20 years without any issues.

The Wine Independent 92 Points March 12, 2023, Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Lafleur-Gazin 2020 is 100% Merlot and has a deep garnet-purple color. It tumbles out with exuberant notes of stewed black and red cherries, forest floor, and spice cake, plus suggestions of dried lavender and clove oil. Full-bodied, the palate is chock-full of ripe, rich black fruits, supported by soft tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and spicy.

Overview

Situated on the northern edge of the plateau of Pomerol, nestled between Château Gazin and Château La Fleur-Pétrus, this wine has been produced by Ets. Jean-Pierre Moueix since 1976.

The vineyard (averaging 30 years of age), is planted on soils varying from gravel to clay to silt, allowing for a very elegant expression of Merlot. The vineyard management and vinification are carried out traditionally and with great care, producing a plump, supple, fleshy wine with ripe fruit and silky tannins.

Eminently approachable, even in its youth, Lafleur-Gazin is a delightful expression of the lighter style of Pomerol wines.

Winemaking

In thermoregulated concrete and stainless steel vats. Gentle and controlled maceration and extraction.

Tasting Notes

Eminently approachable, even in its youth, Lafleur-Gazin is a delightful expression of the lighter style of Pomerol wines.

Harvest Notes

The winter of 2019-2020 was the warmest in France since the beginning of the 20th century. It followed a very wet fall that replenished soil water reserves. January and February 2020 were exceptionally warm and dry, bringing on an early budbreak (from March 22nd). Spring was warm and rainy, with precipitations that were significantly above average. Flowering took place very early, from May 12th to the 22nd. Fruit set was even and abundant, portending good yields. Green harvesting and precise grooming of the vines in the early summer allowed us to rectify the irregularities of the budbreak and even out the yields. Summer was exceptionally hot and dry with virtually no rainfall in July. We adjusted our farming methods accordingly. The deep gravel and clay soils allowed the vines to draw on the water reserves accumulated over winter and thus not suffer from the drought conditions. Veraison took place from July 14th to 29th. Welcome rain in mid-August ensured the grapes were able to reach full maturity. From the end of August, cool nights allowed the accumulation of sugar and anthocyanines in the berries to resume while preventing the deterioration of acids. The weather in September allowed for a serene harvest from the 14th to the 21st.

Technical Information

Varietals: 100% Merlot

Acres: 21 acres acres

Soil Composition: Gravel, clay and silt

Average Vine Age: 30 years

Aging: 16-18 months in French oak barrels (30-40% new)