Take that quality and add additional layers of concentration, power, extract and wood, and you have the 2009 La Plus de La Fleur de Bouard. Only about 500 cases of this 100% Merlot are made. With notes of blueberry and blackberry liqueur intermixed with graphite and spring flowers, this wine is absolutely massive and not for everybody, but it is an example of what a conscientious and driven producer pushing the envelope can do in a satellite appellation such as Lalande de Pomerol. Moreover, I suspect it will last for at least two decades.
Drink 2012-2032.
96 pts - Robert Parker Junior
From a 5-acre parcel cropped at 20 hectoliters per hectare, the 2009 La Plus La Fleur de Bouard (400-500 cases of 100% Merlot) boasts an inky/blue/purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of incense, graphite, blueberries, blackberries, ink, and spring flowers, awesome concentration, and sweet tannins. This is an enormously endowed, multi-layered effort of extraordinary intensity and length. It is a reference point for what can be achieved by a wine visionary in an appellation with little prestige. It should drink well for 20-25 years. (Tasted three times.)
Drink 2010-2035.
95-98 pts - Robert Parker Junior
Unquestionably a star of Lalande de Pomerol is the 50-acre estate of Hubert and Corinne de Bouard, who produce wines that fly well above their pedigree. Tasting through older vintages proves that these are the “real deal,” as they age quite well. One can even argue that the luxury cuvee, La Plus de la Fleur de Bouard, is one of the top twenty wines being produced in Bordeaux - a remarkable achievement given the appellation’s lack of status.