CONSEILLANTE 1998

What a wine. Classic-style Pomerol. Lots of violets and berries on the nose and palate. Broad shouldered in structure, with ripe tannins and a finish that goes on for minutes. It starts off slowly as you taste it and then vroom. Super finish. Best after 2012.

The 1998 La Conseillante is a wine that I had not encountered since 2010. This is certainly more vigorous than the previous three vintages: raspberry and crushed strawberry fruit, hints of mocha and leather, and a sprig of wild heather in the background all with fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with taut tannin and a superb line of acidity that maintains the vigor of this Pomerol. It feels tensile and alive; a blend of red and black fruit mixed with black truffle, clove and sage, leading to a sustained finish that fans out with confidence. At twenty years old the 1998 La Conseillante continues to state its claim as the best wine of that decade. Tasted at La Conseillante vertical at the property.