2005 Ch. la Conseillante, Pomerol

This is an exceptional Conseillante - it would be churlish to describe it as anything other than their best ever. It is velvety and refined and in style, somewhere between Vieux Château Certan and Troplong Mondot, combining the elegance of the former with the exuberance of the latter. The finesse of the tannins combined with power and precision, texture and terroir make this reminiscent of a Grand Cru Burgundy combined with all the best bits of Pomerol. This is set to be one of the must-haves of the vintage - Make sure you pick up a case if you can!

La Conseillante appears poised to challenge its closest neighbor, l’Evangile, as the finest estate on the border of the sector of Pomerol facing Cheval Blanc in St.-Emilion. The 2005 will challenge the extraordinary 2000. Among the truly fabulous wines made here (i.e., 2000, 1990, 1989, 1985, and 1982), its deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by an exquisite bouquet of incense, raspberry jam, kirsch, licorice, and hints of black olives as well as flowers. This broadly perfumed Pomerol exhibits sensational purity, sweet tannin, medium to full body, and outstanding elegance and finesse. The fruit is forward and precocious, but there is enough stuffing, structure, and density for the wine to evolve for 20-25 years.
(Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - 30-Apr-2008)