Chateau La Conseillante, Pomerol 2018

83% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc

Château La Conseillante is a highly-regarded and critically well-received wine estate in the Pomerol district of Bordeaux, known for its Merlot-based grand vin. The vineyard is situated in the east of the appellation on the border with Saint-Émilion and adjoining properties include Château L’Évangile and Vieux Château Certan in Pomerol, and Cheval Blanc in Saint-Émilion to the southeast.

The La Conseillante estate is planted on predominantly clay-based soil and the vineyard consists of 80 percent Merlot, with 20 percent Cabernet Franc in more gravelly areas. The grand vin blend typically reflects these proportions.

La Conseillante has modern winemaking facilities, including a spectacular oval vat hall with new epoxy-lined, temperature-controlled concrete vats varying in size to correspond to plots in the vineyard. Grapes undergo a cold soak for up to four days, followed by alcoholic fermentation with one or two weeks on skins.

The grand vin is aged in barrel for 18 months on average, with 50-80 percent new oak depending on vintage. Careful racking with bellows pumps and egg white fining allows the wines to be bottled unfiltered.

Château La Conseillante dates back to the mid-18th Century, when it was managed by local businesswoman Catherine Conseillan, after whom it was named. It has been owned by the Nicolas family since 1871.

The 2018 La Conseillante is a regal and utterly exquisite Pomerol from the very first taste. Technical Director Marielle Cazaux and her team turned out a jewel of a wine. Silky tannins and lifted, precise aromatics make a strong first impression. Inky dark fruit, pain grillé, lavender, spice, menthol and a kiss of new French oak all flesh out over time. More than anything else, what comes through is the new emphasis at La Conseillante on freshness and verve. The 2018 is a Pomerol of tremendous precision. It is, in a word: dynamite!

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate 98
Vinous 98
James Suckling 97
Wine Enthusiast 95