Is there any wine which is similar in style to Chateau Lafleur?

[Peter Lin]

Any other producer in Pomerol or St Emilion is similar in style to Lafleur? I found myself keep getting drawn to either Cheval Blanc or Lafleur, I guess I just like the "right" combination of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. But they are just so expensive even in sub-par vintages. Any other alternatives?

[M Albert Bouffard]

Hey great question Peter. I hope someone has a good answer!

[Peter Lin]

Someone ever mentioned Le Gay maybe similar to Lafleur but as far as I can see the composition of Le Gay is typically 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. And I have never tasted Le Gay before, so I have absolutely no idea how it is.

As per Jeff's note, Vieux Chateau Certan 2011 maybe interesting as it has 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, almost reach the 40% to 50% level of Cabernet Franc of Cheval Blanc and Lefleur.

I guess Ausone is another one, but the price is even more excessive.

[Jeff Leve]

Sadly, Lafleur is Lafleur. They have a unique rock and clay terroir with close to 50% Cabernet Franc in the blend. There is no other Pomerol or Bordeaux wine like it. FWIW, for me, I would not pay the money for off vintages of Lafleur. It's not worth the money. Look for 2001 Lafleur. It's a good wine and for Lafleur, it's a fair price. In a different style, if you want the best Pomerol has to offer, and like me, you don't want to pay for Petrus, or Lafleur, look for L'Eglise Clinet or Trotanoy. Vieuc Chateau Certan is on fire in 2009 and 2010 and so is Clinet.

[Peter Lin]

I bite the bullet and finally bought some L'Eglise Clinet 2009. May Just buy some Les Pensées de Lafleur 2011 to try out.

[Jeff Leve]

Peter... 2009 L'Eglise Clinet is stunning! I tasted it on this trip and scored it 100 Pts! I'll be adding the tasting note next week. If it was me, I would not not be buying any second wines in 2011. They are not good buys in most vintages, but in difficult years, they are not the best place to put your money.