Wine Advisor
Le Plus de La Fleur de Bouard 2009
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Take that quality and add additional layers of concentration, power, extract and wood, and you have the 2009 La Plus de La Fleur de Bouard. Only about 500 cases of this 100% Merlot are made. With notes of blueberry and blackberry liqueur intermixed with graphite and spring flowers, this wine is absolutely massive and not for everybody, but it is an example of what a conscientious and driven producer pushing the envelope can do in a satellite appellation such as Lalande de Pomerol. Moreover, I suspect it will last for at least two decades. Both of these wines, from the 50-acre estate owned by Hubert de Bouard, are the reference points for Lalande de Pomerol.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted at Chateau Angelus. There is a lot of new oak dominating the bouquet at the moment, but it seems to show good purity with notes of macerated black cherries, cassis and creme de menthe. The palate is full-bodied, very dense and sinewy, but far too oaky towards the finish at the expense of finesse and subtlety.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
From a 5-acre parcel cropped at 20 hectoliters per hectare, the 2009 La Plus La Fleur de Bouard (400-500 cases of 100% Merlot) boasts an inky/blue/purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of incense, graphite, blueberries, blackberries, ink, and spring flowers, awesome concentration, and sweet tannins. This is an enormously endowed, multi-layered effort of extraordinary intensity and length. It is a reference point for what can be achieved by a wine visionary in an appellation with little prestige. It should drink well for 20-25 years. (Tasted three times.) Unquestionably a star of Lalande de Pomerol is the 50-acre estate of Hubert and Corinne de Bouard, who produce wines that fly well above their pedigree. Tasting through older vintages proves that these are the “real deal,” as they age quite well. One can even argue that the luxury cuvee, La Plus de la Fleur de Bouard, is one of the top twenty wines being produced in Bordeaux - a remarkable achievement given the appellation’s lack of status.
Reviewed by: Ian d'Agata
(100% merlot) Ruby-purple. Peppery aromas of black fruits, licorice and tobacco. Suave on entry, then sweet but gripping in the middle, with sound acidity lifting the ripe blackberry, coffee, graphite and dry herb flavors. Finishes with building, palate-staining tannins that currently detract from the wine's pleasure factor. Should the fruit outlive the tannins, my score may end up looking conservative.
Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
(I tasted a barrel sample in June; the wine was scheduled to be bottled in July): Deep, saturated ruby. Aromas of blackberry, licorice and minerals, with an exotic note of charred oak. Superconcentrated, plush and sweet but not heavy, with graphite minerality lifting the black raspberry and blackberry flavors. The very long, rising black fruit finish features chewy tannins and plenty of exotic oak tones. Truly amazing for its appellation.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Take that quality and add additional layers of concentration, power, extract and wood, and you have the 2009 La Plus de La Fleur de Bouard. Only about 500 cases of this 100% Merlot are made. With notes of blueberry and blackberry liqueur intermixed with graphite and spring flowers, this wine is absolutely massive and not for everybody, but it is an example of what a conscientious and driven producer pushing the envelope can do in a satellite appellation such as Lalande de Pomerol. Moreover, I suspect it will last for at least two decades. Both of these wines, from the 50-acre estate owned by Hubert de Bouard, are the reference points for Lalande de Pomerol.
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.
