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97 By Robert Parker
17 By Rene Gabriel
90 By Wine Spectator
In this recent blind tasting, the 1990 triumphed over what seemed to be the slightly subdued, more tightly knit, atypically backward 1989. The 1990 was exhibiting all of its charms, with its deep ruby color, and flamboyant display of toasty new oak, black-cherries, raspberries, kirsch, licorice, and Asian spices. Velvety-textured, supple, sexy, and easy to drink, the low acid 1990 La Conseillante is about as seductive a wine as readers will ever encounter. It admirably demonstrates why Pomerols are often called the Burgundies of Bordeaux. As flamboyant as the 1990 is, it remains youthful, in spite of its low acid, precocious showing. While it can be drunk now, it will continue to develop for another 12-20 years. The 1989 and 1990 wines represent La Conseillante's quintessential smooth as silk style, which often leads consumers to believe the wines will not last. I remember feeling the same way about the 1982 (which never tasted as stunning as either the 1989 or 1990). That wine continues to get better and better. One of the unexplainable facts of Bordeaux wine drinking is that even the softer, delicious, up-front wines can age impeccably when well-stored. Owners of the 1989 and 1990 La Conseillantes should not hesitate to enjoy them now, as well as over the next 20 years.
Producer
Château La Conseillante
Located on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, Château La Conseillante is one of the most emblematic properties in Pomerol. With its roots tracing back to the 1700s, La Conseillante has been under the ownership of the Nicolas family for just about 150 years, and has uniquely remained unchanged ever since. Situated on the appellation’s boundary with Saint- Émilion, bordering those of L’Évangile and Cheval Blanc, the original 18 plots of vineyards stretch across 12-hectares in eastern Pomerol. Today, fifth generation Bertrand and Jean-Valmy as the joint managing directors, carry on to pursue higher levels of excellence. In 2007, they released the estate’s second wine, Duo de Conseillante. And by 2012 they renovated their winemaking facilities to allow for separate vinification of each vineyard holding. The Grand Vin, La Conseillante is a firmly structured Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend that is equally complex and rich of dark fruits and oriental spices. One of Pomerol’s greatest names, Château La Conseillante consistently produces five-star wines with a great sense of ancestral tradition.