(JS 96-97 points) The texture to this is really something, with tannins that are silky and totally integrated. It remains so lifted and weightless, but then it runs long and tight. Very attractive citrus fruit and blueberries, as well as a touch of tile and ceramic. Caresses your palate. 70% merlot and 30% bouchet (cabernet franc).

(WA 94-96 points) The 2023 Pensées de Lafleur is an especially serious rendition of a cuvée that is generally more forward and demonstrative than its stablemate Lafleur. Unfurling in the glass with deep aromas of cherries and dark berries mingled with violets, orange zest and spices, it's medium to full-bodied, with a broad attack that segues into a fleshy, layered core of real depth and density, underpinned by rich, powdery tannins and concluding with a long, harmonious finish. It's a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. - William Kelley

(TWI 94-96 points) A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Bouchet (Cabernet Franc), the 2023 Pensees de Lafleur has a deep garnet-purple color. It needs a swirl or two to spur it on to gallop out with powerful notes of juicy black plums, wild blueberries, and raspberry preserves, leading to an undercurrent of wood smoke, charcoal, bay leaves, and Sichuan pepper. The medium-bodied palate is light on its feet and beautifully poised, with very fine, silky tannins and alluring freshness, finishing very long and earthy. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

(VN 92-94 points) The 2023 Les Pensées contains more Merlot this year, at 70% of the final blend. It was picked between September 7 to 17. This has another very minerally bouquet, well-defined, quite nervy and focused, with a subtle marine influence. The palate is medium-bodied with impressive concentration and freshness on the entry. Black plum and a touch of dark chocolate come through, framed by a slightly granular texture. Cracked black pepper emerges on the structured but not heavy finish. Excellent. -- Neal Martin

So floral - strawberry leaf, raspberry, softly herbal, a little creamy with violets and black cherries. Pure and velvety, this has a subtle energy as well as ripe fruit with lots of definition. Nothing shouting about this wine, it’s almost discreet but not lacking in gentle power. Not so concentrated but it’s extremely finessed and very welcoming. Juicy, like strawberry juice with a graphite minerality and a succulence all the way through that is appealing. Ageing 25% new oak, 75% is one use wine. 3.75pH.

Unusually high Merlot for Pensees, this combines gorgeously rich texture with mouthwatering salinity on the finish, moving through plump and plus black cherry and raspberry fruit. The team here always knows how to skilfully construct a wine, and this picks up concentrated notes of fennel and mint that raise the game. 25% new oak for ageing.