| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > Pomerol |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
An absolutely amazing wine from the Nicolas family, this is from another estate in Pomerol that is pushing the envelope to higher and higher quality. The final blend has moved to smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc, now approximately 20%, with the balance 80% Merlot. Through crop-thinning, yields have been reduced to an average of 35 hectoliters per hectare. Inky bluish/purple color and stunning sweet tannins embrace a full-bodied opulent Pomerol with beautiful, floral-infused black raspberry, blueberry and cassis fruit. Full-bodied, yet elegant, this is a brilliant marriage between finesse and power. Stunningly pure, this wine can be drunk young or age magnificently for 20 or more years. Drink: 2015 - 2035
The La Conseillante is a blend of 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc (slightly less than usual) delivering 14.2% alcohol, raised in 70% new oak. It was cropped at 38.5hl/ha between 18th September and 1st October for the Merlot, and between 5th and 9th October for the Cabernet Franc. It has a lifted bouquet with broody dark fruit, a little more introspective than the 2011 at this stage with hints of cedar and mint. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins on the opening. It is a more feminine La Conseillante for sure, sedate and natural with an easy-drinking finish that you could almost consume now. The '12 is very fine - but there is better to come once they have "broken in" their spanking new winery. Tasted April 2013.
Amazing aromas of dried flowers, blueberries and minerals follow through to a full body, fine and polished tannins and a long finish. All in finesse and harmony. Little tight now. Better in 2018
This is closed up and subdued, majoring on cloves, white pepper spice, raspberry leaf and blackberry. Not as luscious as you find La Conseillante in more recent vintages, there is an enjoyable slate grip to the tannins and smoked sandalwood adding sense of delicacy and appeal, but it is not for long ageing. I would recommend drinking now and over the next decade. 70% new oak.
Deep dark crimson. Refined dark fruit - blackcurrant pastilles and a touch cedary. Very precise and fresh and has a nice tightness about it without being highly strung. Even with that refinement it has rich, velvety depth in the middle. Long without evident power. Cool and fluid on the finish. (JH)
On the robust side of Pomerol for now, with ganache and tar
notes underscoring the core of dark plum, linzer torte, blackberry
and black currant fruit. Best from 2017 through 2027.
Made for the first time in the château's gleaming new cellar, Jean-Michel Laporte's red
is another success from this much-improved château. Flavours of fig, plum, chocolate and
vanilla are beautifully intermingled here, with sumptuous tannins and a touch of minerality
adding backbone and depth.
Drink: 2020-35
The 2012 La Conseillante exhibits a dark ruby/purple color as well as a beautiful, up-front, projected fragrance that includes mulberry and raspberry jam, licorice, lavender and underbrush. Rich and medium-bodied, this attractive effort possesses the estate's hallmark elegance, finesse and sweet, velvety tannins. It should be approachable in its youth and last for 15+ years.
This is another Bordeaux property that appears to be on top of its game, producing wines of great elegance as well as flavor authority. Sandwiched between the border of St.-Emilion and Cheval Blanc, and, on the Pomerol side, l'Evangile, Vieux-Chateau-Certan and Petrus, its terroir has extraordinary potential.
his is really intense from the start to finish. This is a gorgeous wine. Full body, with very integrated tannins and a beautiful finish. Iron, chocolate, hazelnut and red fruits. Very, very polished. 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc.
