Château Lafleur 1982

Report: Château Lafleur 1982 - A legend of Pomerol

1. introduction & winery:
Château Lafleur, one of the smallest but most famous estates in Pomerol (right bank of Bordeaux), produces wines of exceptional concentration, complexity and longevity. The estate (not to be confused with Lafleur-Pétrus) is known for its strict selection and traditional vinification methods. The 1982 is one of the château's absolute top wines.

2. the 1982 vintage in Bordeaux:

• A vintage of the century:1982 is one of the most legendary vintages ever in Bordeaux. A warm, sunny summer with optimal ripening conditions led to exceptionally ripe, concentrated and opulent wines with ripe tannins.

• Pomerol speciality:The Merlot-dominated Pomerol appellation benefited particularly from this climate, as Merlot ripens early and benefited enormously from the warmth.

3. sensory description (based on numerous tasting notes over the years):

• Colour: Deep ruby-garnet red that still looks surprisingly youthful even after more than 40 years, with delicate brick tones at the rim.

• Nose:Extremely complex and intense. Aromas of ripe black cherries, plums and mulberries mingle with earthy notes (truffle, damp forest floor), tobacco, leather, cedar wood, violets and a subtle mineral spice. New nuances unfold with increasing aeration.

• Palate:Full-bodied, dense and yet surprisingly elegant and fresh, with ripe, silky tannins forming a perfect framework. The aromas of the nose are reflected on the tongue, complemented by notes of liquorice, chocolate and exotic spices. The balance between fruit, acidity, tannin and alcohol is almost perfect. Long, multi-faceted finish that lingers for minutes.

• Maturity:The wine has long since reached its drinking plateau and is in a phase of absolute drinking maturity. It combines the vigour of youth with the incredible complexity of maturity. It can certainly continue to fascinate for many years (if not decades) with optimal ageing, but will continue to develop rather slowly.

4. specialities & reputation:

• Rarity: the production quantities of Château Lafleur are always very small, which makes the wine even more sought-after.

• "Mini Pétrus":Due to its intensity, complexity and mineral depth, Lafleur is often compared to the neighbouring Château Pétrus, sometimes even considered its equal, albeit with its own, often somewhat more austere characteristics.

• Cult status:Lafleur 1982 is one of the most sought-after and highest-rated wines in the world. It epitomises the magic of the 1982 vintage and the unique signature of the estate.

5. price & availability:

• Exorbitant: As an absolute icon, the 1982 Lafleur regularly reaches prices in the mid four to five-digit euro range per bottle at auctions and in specialist shops (as of 2023/2024). The price depends heavily on provenance and storage conditions.

• Rare: Bottles in perfect condition are extremely rare and sought after.

6th rating (summary):

• Robert Parker (The Wine Advocate):originally 100 points, later repeatedly confirmed as a reference wine. Parker described it as one of the greatest wines he has ever tasted.

• General consensus:Château Lafleur 1982 is almost unanimously recognised as one of the greatest Bordeaux wines of all time. It is a wine of monumental greatness, infinite complexity and timeless beauty.

7 Conclusion:
Château Lafleur 1982 is not just a wine, but a piece of winemaking history. It represents the perfect symbiosis of an exceptional terroir, a vintage of the century and masterful winemaking. For collectors and connoisseurs, it is a "wine of a lifetime" - an experience that demonstrates the power, finesse and incredible ageing potential of great Bordeaux at its best. Its enjoyment is a rare and precious event.