# Château Lafleur-Gazin (2023)

- **Producer:** Établissements Jean-Pierre Moueix
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €45
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, plum, cherry, mint, black pepper, liquorice, vanilla, cloves, chocolate, smoke, cedar, tobacco, leather, forest floor, mushroom

## About this wine

Château Lafleur-Gazin is situated on the northern edge of the prestigious Pomerol plateau, bordered by the renowned estates of Château Gazin and Château La Fleur-Pétrus. For three generations, the property belonged to the Delfour-Borderie family and was managed under a lease agreement by the Moueix family starting in 1976. In 2021, Établissements Jean-Pierre Moueix acquired the estate outright. Following this acquisition, they undertook a significant vineyard restructuring, selling off sandy parcels to focus exclusively on the superior gravel and clay-silt soils. This strategic move allowed the estate to elevate its quality and focus on a pure expression of its unique terroir.

## Interesting facts

- The estate's name is entirely geographical, celebrating its location directly between Pomerol legends Château Lafleur and Château Gazin.
- For the 2023 vintage, the estate produced a unique 100% Merlot cuvée after selling off its weaker, sandier vineyard parcels.
- The Moueix family farmed the estate on a lease agreement for 45 years before purchasing it outright in 2021.

## Food pairing

This structured, medium-to-full-bodied Pomerol Merlot pairs beautifully with rich, savory meats and earthy flavors. The velvety but firm tannins cut through the fat of lamb, beef, and duck, while the wine's vibrant acidity balances rich sauces. Earthy components like mushrooms and truffles mirror the subtle forest floor and spice notes of the wine.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the 2023 vintage reflects meticulous attention to detail. Harvesting is conducted entirely by hand, followed by both manual and optical sorting to ensure only the highest quality fruit is selected. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled concrete and stainless steel vats, with gentle maceration and extraction techniques tailored to the vintage. For the 2023 vintage, the aging process was condensed to 12 months in French oak barriques, utilizing 50% new oak to complement the concentrated fruit profile without overpowering it.