Chateau La Conseillante Pomerol 2017
Chateau La Conseillante Pomerol 2017, well-defined bouquet with brambly red berry fruit, minerals, touches of seaweed and light incense aromas that develop fine intensity in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannin. This Pomerol is very well poised with perfectly judged acidity. Whilst not a match for Titans like the 1989 or 2010, this La Conseillante possesses nuance and sophistication, a precision that does justice to the name.
Château La Conseillante is a leading 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 L’Evangile and Vieux Château Certan in Pomerol, and Cheval Blanc in Saint-Émilion. The estate is planted on predominantly clay 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 uo to four days, followed by alcoholic fermentation and one or two weeks of maceration. 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. In 2007, the château launched its second wine, Duo de Conseillante, sourced from younger vines, and featuring up 95 percent Merlot. It sees 12 months in French oak barrels (50 percent new) and six months in tank before bottling.
A young red with sweet fruit and very fine tannins, which have a creamy and almost salty sensation. Medium to full body. Blackberries, dark chocolate and bark. Some black tea, too. It shows an energy and tension. The creamy tannins give polish and beauty.
