Chateau La Conseillante, Pomerol 2008

The beautiful 2008 exhibits a dark plum/ruby/purple color as well as jammy red and black fruit, crushed rock and floral notes. If this were a Burgundy, one might think of it as a grand cru Musigny. With excellent texture, medium to full body and stunning purity as well as nobility, this fascinating Pomerol should drink well for 15-20 years.

The 2008 La Conseillante has an attractive bouquet at ten years of age, unfolding discretely in the glass with engaging scents of Morello cherry, blackcurrant, orange pith, cedar and a touch of mint. The delineation here is very impressive. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin and a keen thread of acidity. It conveys energy and vivacity and then develops a quite irony note towards the second half with traces of white pepper and bay leaf infusing the red and black fruit. What I appreciate here is its focus and drive, a Pomerol intent on longevity. It is drinking perfectly well now, but it will have more to give. (Tasted at the château and at BI Wine & Spirit’s annual vertical tasting.)

Very floral with sweet berries and cherries on the nose. Full to medium-body, with bright and intense fruit, super silky tannins and a citrus aftertaste. Live wire of a wine. Very precise. Best after three or four years of bottle age.

(86% merlot and 14% cabernet franc; 13.3% alcohol) Bright red-ruby. Sappy, floral aromas of black cherry, minerals and sweet licorice are perked up by an exciting minty twist. Suave on entry, then fresh and alive in the middle palate, with noteworthy intensity to the black cherry and licorice flavors. There is lovely definition and good mineral lift to the long, polished finish in what is a very refined version of La Conseillante.

Bright, deep red-ruby. Redcurrant, cherry pit, cola, sassafras, minerals and a whiff of pepper on the nose. Rather clenched in the middle palate, with a slightly dry, cyanic quality making it tough going today. Shows a hint of nutty oak in the middle and finishes slightly tart.