Wine Advisor
Le Plus de La Fleur de Bouard 2005
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
As for the luxury cuvée (100% Merlot that tips the scales at 14.5% alcohol), the 2005 Le Plus is first-growth quality! Hubert de Boüard has nailed a home run with this inky purple wine, which has an extraordinary, concentrated nose of white chocolate, black cherry liqueur and cassis, as well as nuances of incense and flowers in a full-bodied, massively rich, full-throttle style. This wine is well beyond anything Lalande de Pomerol is capable of producing, and a credit to proprietor Hubert de Boüard. Drink it over the next 25-30 years, and keep in mind that it probably still needs another 5-10 years of cellaring, even though it’s already a decade old.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
A sleeper.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Like it’s sibling, the 2005 Le Plus de la Fleur de Bouard appears to be the finest ever produced, although it will be a decade until that is known for sure. The 14+% alcohol is well-concealed by the wine’s massive layer of concentration. An inky/purple color is accompanied by a huge, rich nose of blackberry liqueur, minerals, pain grille, spice box, and chocolate fudge. One of the most concentrated wines I tasted, this tour de force in winemaking is the product of a visionary who continues to push the envelope of quality. It should have a 20-year life span.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2005 La Plus de la Fleur de Bouard was scheduled to be bottled right after my tasting. Made from yields of 20 hectoliters per hectare, the blockbuster 2005 can compete with the greatest wines of Bordeaux. Its inky/purple color is accompanied by fabulous aromas of black currants, blackberries, spicy oak, graphite, and incense. Stunningly rich and full-bodied, it is a Petrus-like effort that will be bottled unfined and unfiltered. It should keep for 15-20 years. The ultimate reference point for what can be achieved in Lalande de Pomerol, this property, owned by Hubert de Bouard, continues to turn out fabulous wines.
About the Producer
Le Plus de La Fleur de Boüard is made from the oldest vines planted on land consisting of clay-topped boulders expressing the full character of the hotel's ancient Merlot grapes, the only variety used. The yields of these very old vines are apparently very low, ranging from 15 to 29 hectoliters per hectare. The wines are aged for a very long time: 33 months in barrels and 18 months on fine lees. The resulting wine is smooth and elegant. It has a perfect balance and a lovely freshness. This lush, mouth-watering wine offers intense aromas and outstanding elegance.
