The 2008 Lafleur, a blend of 54% Cabernet Franc and 46% Merlot, offers extraordinarily pure notes of raspberries, kirsch, flowers, and subtle forest floor nuances. A wine of exceptional purity and full-bodied intensity that remains light on its feet because of its fresh acids and lower pH, it represents a denser, more complete version of the 1988 and 1996. Built for the long haul, purchasers will need at least a decade of patience before pulling a cork. It should keep for 40-50 years thereafter.

(a blend of 54% cabernet franc and 46% merlot; 32 hl/ha; a 65% selection for the grand vin Pretty ruby color. Very reticent, mineral-driven nose reluctantly releases scents of pure violet, raspberry and spicy red cherry. On the palate, there are pristine flavors of red fruits, minerals and delicate sweet spices. Absolutely seamless already but with strong acids giving a steely quality to the saline, persistent finish. This Lafleur is more dominated than usual by its cabernet franc component and will require patience. I think the '06 was noticeably better and more forward at a similar stage of development, but as this picks up flesh with age, it should eventually be thought of as one of the wines of the vintage.

Sweet plum, strawberry and raspberry fruit character on the nose and palate. Full and silky, with lovely fruit and a long finish. Minerally undertone. Score range: 88-91 -JS