The 2013 Lafleur was one of my favorite wines from barrel because, as Baptiste Guinaudeau remarked when I visited the property, he did not try to make a Pomerol beyond what it could be. The nose might not possess the complexity of the best vintages of Lafleur, but it is clearly delineated and fresh, with blackberry and raspberry fruit, a subtle granitic scent tucked underneath. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannin, as is often the case for Lafleur, with crunchy red berry fruit and a stony, almost reserved but fresh finish that lingers nicely in the mouth. This is an excellent wine considering the growing season.

This is very linear and pure with strawberry and cherry character. It really is the purity that gets you. Full body with super-linear tannins and a bright, racy finish. This is focused and refined. The winemaker says that no botrytis was seen in his vineyard, giving such wonderful quality.

Meeting this wine is like walking into a florist shop that cannot be swept, because there was so much earth on the floor. Add to that, a touch of licorice, espresso and sweet, fresh cherries, black raspberries and plums and you're close to what the wine is all about. Soft, bright, charming and fresh, but as you would expect with 2013, the wine lacks the depth found in the best years and instead offers you, early drinking charms.