Robert Parker: Wine Advocate # 188. Apr 2010. Reviewer : Robert Parker. The 2009 La Fleur de Bouard (made from yields of 45 hectoliters per hectare; 13.5% alcohol) is a Merlot-based wine with brilliant purity, abundant black cherry, plum, and boysenberry fruit, extraordinary density, decent acids, and high tannins. This full-bodied, concentrated, impressively endowed 2009 should age nicely for 10-15 years. At a recent tasting of the 2000 vintage, I was reminded of how great this estate’s luxury cuvee can be. It was off the charts in terms of richness and personality. (Tasted three times.). Drink: 2010 - 2025.
Wine Spectator: Updated: April 15, 2010. Supersilky and round, with lovely berry, licorice and black chocolate character. Full and gorgeous. Like it. —J.S.
Stephen Tanzer: May/Jun 10. 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.
Decanter: James Lawther MW, Decanter.com, 16.5 pts - "Dark and dense with layered fruit. Well integrated oak apparent. Fine tannins and texture. Drink 2014-2022."
Neal Martin, erobertparker.com, 87-89pts - "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."
Vinification: Vinification in small temperature-contolled stainless steel vats. Maceration for 3 to 4 weeks. The wine is then racked into French oak barrels exclusively, 80 to 90% of these are brand new - and matures for 18-24 months. There is no fining or filtration.
