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La Conseillante 2012

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > Pomerol
ColourRed
TypeStill
Grape VarietyMerlot/Cabernet Franc

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Tasting Notes

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

96
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (218), April 2015

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.

91/93
Neal Martin, RobertParker.com, May 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

94
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, February 2015

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.

91
Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com, March 2022

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)

17
Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, April 2013

Fabulously situated alongside Cheval Blanc and L'Evangile, this property has a long track record of making outstanding wine that is never forced or over-extracted. Already consistent and reliable, the winemaking has improved in recent years under the direction of the talented Jean-Michel Laporte. A second wine, Duo de la Conseillante is now also produced. The Grand Vin is made from 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc, matured in 70% new oak. This super-creamy Pomerol is sexy and as smooth as cashmere. Extremely silky and sumptuous but with plenty of power and warmth. The overall character is one of harmony and balance despite the obviously impressive density of fruit. A near-perfect example of Pomerol. Winemaker Jean-Michel Laporte compares this to the outstanding 2001 vintage.

96
Farr Vintners, March 2013

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.

93
James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Insider, January 2015

The nose has hints of spice with red fruit and bilberry freshness but the palate is serious dark fruited with mid chocolate richness. The tannins are firm and give structure but feel ripe and although towards the back there is sweet fruited power the finish has a red fruited charm. 2020-38.

92/95
Derek Smedley MW, April 2013

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

94
Tim Atkin MW, timatkin.com, April 2013
Read more tasting notes...

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.

92/94
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (206), April 2013

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.

92/93
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, April 2013
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.