CONSEILLANTE 2012

Another classic wine from this fabulous estate is the 2012 La Conseillante, which I believe was the first wine made in their newly constructed winery. A blend of roughly 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc brought up in 70% new barrels, it offers an awesome bouquet of blueberry and smoky black cherry fruit intermixed with loads of Asian spices, melted asphalt, truffle, and licorice. This full-bodied, opulent, incredibly sexy Pomerol stays light and elegant, with silky tannin and sensational purity of fruit. Anyone who owns bottles should count themselves lucky, and those who don’t should buy some as soon as possible. It can be drunk today or cellared for two decades.

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.

The 2012 La Conseillante has a very expressive bouquet with vibrant black cherry, blackcurrant and truffle aromas, with aeration fomenting more red fruit (crushed strawberry and cranberry) with an undertow of mineralité. The palate is medium-bodied with finer tannin than the 2011, a keen thread of acidity and a satisfying crescendo of flavours: dark cherry, cranberry, hints of tobacco and cedar. It feels structured on the finish although that is matched by the freshness and the impressive length. This is just a superb La Conseillante although it is only just getting going. Tasted at La Conseillante vertical at the property. 2020-2045

This 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.

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.