Lafleur Pomerol 2003

97 points Wine Spectator: "This is a really long wine. It lasts for minutes on the palate. Full and dense yet refined and linear. Very racy, with plum, berry and floral character. Fantastic. No jam here. This is a wine that shows strength but maintains elegance. Superb. Best after 2012. 1,000 cases made. (3/31/06)"

95 points Robert Parker: "The exotic, nearly over the top 2003 exhibits a southern Rhone-like characteristic of kirsch liqueur intermixed with raspberries and flowers. Sweet fruit, high levels of glycerin (the alcohol is less than 13.5%), and high but silky tannins have resulted in a broad, expansive, terrific example of Lafleur that should be at its finest between 2008-2025. Along with Petrus, this stunning, full-bodied 2003 is a candidate for the top wine of Pomerol. (4/23/06)"

95 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "From the canicular vintage, it is about five years since I last tasted this. While Merlot has dominated in some prior vintages, in 2003 Cabernet Franc was back in charge, accounting for more than 50% of the blend. There is no shortage of aromatic impact here, the nose laden with the scents of confit cherry and blackcurrants, dressed with chalk dust and perfumed rose petals. The sweetness and concentration of the fruit is not unusual for the vintage, although the aromatic interest was unanticipated. The palate shows similar interest, as the richly polished and sweet substance carries evolved notes of cigar box and tobacco. It feels very dense, perhaps even a little lead-footed, but there is much going on here to compensate for this. There are scents of violets, and the ripe tannic substance and unexpected acid backbone provide the middle and finish with some real drive. For a 2003 this is good, and poured here in Bordeaux it shows better than it did back in London, five years ago. (May 2018)"

94 points Jane Anson (Decanter): "From the first minute your nose hovers over the glass, you get a burst of saffron and black pepper spice. This is a different interpretation of Lafleur from the other vintages in the line-up and reveals the fingerprints of a year that was extreme in its heat. A canary in the coalmine for drought-like conditions that have become more common in recent years, but one that here has been tamed by the seductive richness of Lafleur. It doesn't have the length of the 2002 and 2001, but is hugely appealing, with concentrated berry fruit aromatics and a rich, velvety texture. The gravel soils of Lafleur don't retain a ton of water, so they had to work extremely hard to ensure the vines were able to cope, and the higher level of Cabernet Franc in the blend is key to the freshness that is still evident. It opens in the glass to reveal layers of liquorice, chocolate, raspberry coulis and graphite. Drinking Window: 2019-2038. (11/2/19)"

93 points Neal Martin (Wine Journal): "The 2003 is still a little unresolved on the nose, perhaps missing the clarity and joie-de-vivre of the 2004. There is a slight “stemmy” character inflecting the nose with raspberry and a touch of cranberry fruit. But the palate is very impressive considering the difficulties that Pomerol faced in this vintage with fine, grainy tannins, touches of cigar box, savoury fruit, a little sandalwood and spice. Very harmonious and a soft, sensuous off-dry, tobacco finish. It needs time, so perhaps that nose will sort itself out. Drink 2018-2030+. (11/29/08)"

93 points Falstaff Guide: "Dark ruby garnet. Intense nose of roasted aromas and herbs, great chocolate touch. Sweet and powerful on the palate, medium complex and generous, nougat also in the finish, shows enormous length, has great development potential, a real charmer that has reached its first drinking maturity. (cellar/drink +20) (6/28/12)"