Wine Advisor
Le Plus de La Fleur de Bouard 2011
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The luxury cuvee, the 2011 La Plus de La Fleur de Bouard (not yet bottled) offers an extravagance of fruit, richness, glycerin, wood and intensity. This great Lalande de Pomerol should evolve nicely for 10-15+ years. In a relatively short period of time, Hubert de Bouard has created a reference point for how great Lalande de Pomerol can be. When tasted 10-15 years after the vintage, de Bouards wines consistently prove his conviction that he is sitting on a special terroir, even though this appellation is a humble one compared to his nearby neighbors, Pomerol and St.-Emilion.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
To be honest, all I can really taste here is the new oak. I would love to report something else, but that is all my senses can detect. Tasted April 2012.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2011 La Fleur de Bouard, a blend of 85% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and a tiny bit of Cabernet Sauvignon, averaged 13.7% natural alcohol. A powerful, rich, dense ruby/purple-colored effort, it offers blueberry, chocolate and espresso notes, full body, good acidity, and excellent purity and length. This cuvee should drink well for a decade or more. A brilliant reference point wine for Lalande de Pomerol, owner Hubert de Bouard consistently over-achieves in most vintages.
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.
