History
Château Lafleur, located in the Pomerol appellation of Bordeaux, has a rich history dating back to 1872 when Henri Greloud purchased a 4.5-hectare plot and began producing single-vineyard wines. Greloud was the first to do so in Pomerol, discovering that the wines from this small plot were superior to those of neighboring estates. His successor, André Robin, continued to explore the potential of Lafleur’s vineyard, particularly focusing on the Cabernet Franc grape variety.
After André Robin's death in 1946, his daughters Marie and Thérèse took over the estate. They maintained traditional viticulture practices, including hand-plowing with an ox until 1979 and avoiding chemicals and pesticides. This approach made Lafleur one of the few vineyards never to have used chemicals. The sisters never planted Cabernet Franc and Merlot clones, resulting in some of the oldest vines in Bordeaux.
In 1985, Jacques and Sylvie Guinaudeau, great-grandchildren of Henri Greloud, leased Château Lafleur from Marie Robin. They replanted a quarter of the vines and eventually acquired full ownership in 2002. The Guinaudeau family continues to manage the estate, ensuring that the wines remain true to their heritage and the unique character of the vineyard.
Terroir
The terroir of Château Lafleur is characterized by its diverse and complex soil composition. The vineyard is divided into 24 separate parcels, each with unique soil types. The primary soils include limestone, gravel, and clay, with varying proportions of clay and sand. One notable parcel, 'La Bassine,' features a ferrous clay soil, similar to that found at Château Pétrus, which contributes to the wine's distinct character. The combination of these different soils provides a balance and complexity to the wines, making them unique expressions of Pomerol.
The vineyard is also notable for its old vines, with an average age of around 40 years, and some vines dating back to before the 1956 frost. The high vine density, ranging from 6,000 to 7,500 vines per hectare, allows for meticulous monitoring and care of each vine. The Guinaudeau family, who own and manage the estate, focus on perfecting the grapes in the vineyard to ensure the best possible expression of the terroir in the wine.
