Bottled the previous May, the Lafleur 2010 has a classic, tertiary nose that unfurls slowly in the glass. It is surprisingly understated and is perhaps a little subdued after bottling, but it gradually reveals blackberry, briary, wild hedgerow and smoke. The palate is medium-bodied with a firm backbone. It is very fresh and similar to Petrus it displays the ?mannerisms? of a Left Bank Pauillac. The tannins are strict and linear, the fruit dark and broody at the moment. There is a citric thread that runs from start to finish, whilst the finish is foursquare and slightly aloof. This is a serious, long-term Lafleur, but not as approachable as the 2009. Every bottle should come with free 14th century Scottish castle cellar and a 20-year padlock. Tasted November 2012. Score: 97 Neal Martin

The Guinaudeaus have created a wine of massive power and flavour but with an elegance and delicacy that is simply remarkable. The colour is gorgeous, glisteningly dark, but the pinkest of rims suggests the perfume and finesse to come. Rich black fruit and spices leap out of the glass, with heady notes of peonies and lilac. Graphite, smoke and green tea all make an appearance and subtle layers just keep building up as the wine opens in the glass. A wonderful glycerine mouth-feel pulls all the fruit back onto the palate and holds it there. The tannins are elegant and composed. The whole is sheer luxury and the sweet, rich finish just goes on and on. This is by far the most elegant and complex of any 2010 we tasted and must be one of the finest vintages of Lafleur ever made. It is nothing short of sublime and will age magnificently for at least sixty years. Drink 2030 -2060.