2012 Le Plus De La Fleur De Bouard

93 POINTS

Robert Parker - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Although aged in 100% new French oak, the 2012 La Plus hides it incredibly well. Blackberry and blueberry liqueur notes intermixed with acacia flowers, chocolate and vanillin jump from the glass of this full-bodied, opulent, pedal-to-the-metal style of Lalande de Pomerol. It will age effortlessly for 10-15 years. The reigning reference point for just how remarkable the wines of Lalande de Pomerol can be is La Fleur de Bouard (I highly recommend visiting these cellars which are all gravity fed). The 2012 La Fleur de Bouard was produced from relatively high yields of 42 hectoliters per hectare, but you would never know that tasting the wine. The limited production 5-acre vineyard that produced the 2012 La Plus de la Fleur de Bouard is hors classe. Cropped at 20 hectoliters per hectare, with 14.5% natural alcohol, this is a big, bruising wine. Both wines come from the high Neac plateau of the appellation. Points: 92-94

93 POINTS

James Suckling

Blueberry, blackberry and minerals. Full body, with a wonderful density of fruit. Pretty length too. Impressive for the vintage. Better than 2011.

93 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

The 2012 Le Plus, 100% old-vine Merlot, is absolutely gorgeous. Sweet dark cherries, plums and raspberry jam open up in a powerful, sensual wine endowed with striking depth and tons of pure appeal. This is Hubert de Boüard's top wine from his Lalande de Pomerol property, and it is terrific.

92 POINTS

James Suckling

Blueberry, blackberry and minerals. Full body, with a wonderful density of fruit. Pretty length too. Impressive for the vintage. Better than 2011. Points: 92-93

91 POINTS

James Suckling

Very pretty and juicy fruit and spice character with flowers on the nose and palate. Full body, fine tannins and a chewy finish. Needs time to soften slightly but already beautiful. Drink in 2017.

Julia Harding MW - JancisRobinson.com

Inky core. Sweet spicy oak, dark fruited. Dry and hard at the moment. Masses of oak and very dry tannins. But when you get through all that, there's ripe dark fruit and a finesse that will be hidden until all the winemaking has died back. Chewy but rich. Score: 16.5/NaN

James Lawther MW - Decanter

A little more tender than the 2011 but still firm, dense and tight in style. Powerful but fine tannins. Spends 3 years in barrel so patience required. Score: 16.5/NaN