As I suspected, the 1996 Lafleur is a painfully backward, austere wine that represents a modern day clone of this estate's 1966. It possesses a backward, tannic, Medoc-like character, with none of Pomerol's hallmark generosity. The wine exhibits a saturated dark purple color, as well as a distinctive mineral, black raspberry, and berry-scented nose with the steely, mineral Lafleur character well-displayed. Powerful, long, and rich, but excruciatingly tannic, this wine may or may not resolve all of its tannin. In short, it is an impressively constituted wine that is no sure thing. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025.

Not a blockbuster Lafleur, but harmonious and pleasure-giving. Black chocolate and berry aromas and flavors continue to a medium-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a fruity, caressing finish. Not quite as exciting in bottle as from barrel, but still a beauty. Best after 2000. 1,000 cases made. -JS