Spanning barely over 11 acres, Château Lafleur is almost as delicate as its lovely moniker. Dating back to the late 1800s, the vineyard is located in Pomerol, well within striking distance of the renowned Château Pétrus, and proudly carries this Right Bank appellation. Despite its lack of classification, the wine from this charming château is considered by critics, connoisseurs and consumers alike to be among the world’s finest. Historically expensive and rare, Lafleur is comprised of grapes that flourish in the château’s complex soils and subsoils of gravel, sand and clay. In contrast to many of its competitors that prioritize Cabernet Sauvignon, the château caters to Merlot at 60%, with 40% Cabernet Sauvignon a close second. Annual production of its signature Grand Vin Château Lafleur averages at only 1,000 cases, with even less of its second wine, Les Pensées de Lafleur, (interestingly named an “insider’s secret” by wine industry giants) averaging 750 yearly cases. These numbers clearly represent the feelings of one of the château’s early 20th century owners, André Robin, whose personal mantra regarding his wine was “Qualité passes quantité,” or “Quality surpasses quantity.” Family has been a constant at Lafleur. Henri Greloud, a renowned vintner who already owned Lafleur’s counterpart, Château le Gay, purchased what was to become Lafleur in 1872. By 1893, Lafleur ranked third among the best of Pomerol, and by 1900, the château was inherited by Charles Greloud, Henri’s son. Fifteen years later, both Le Gay and LaFleur came under the direction of Andre Robin, the husband of Gabrielle Greloud, Henri’s granddaughter. Andre was succeeded by his daughters, Therese and Marie, in 1946, both of whom devoted themselves to the family business and became famous for transforming the estate by eliminating Malbec from its vineyards. Since 1984, Château Lafleur has been leased by the great, great grandchildren of Henri, Jacques and Sylvie Guinaudeau. This lovely, discreet château, a true favorite of critic Robert Parker, continues to represent the elegance and gentility of the Bordeaux greats.