critic reviews
The 1995 La Conseillante, again in magnum, has a tertiary nose that I feel is a little Bretty in style, though not in a negative way. It’s just hovering there. The palate is supple and fully mature with a fine bead of acidity, grainy tannins and pleasant black fruit laced with smoke and truffle, though it just pulls up a bit short on the finish. It's not a patch on the 1985 tasted four months prior. Tasted at the Harry Gill memorial lunch at The Arches, London.
It is tempting to give this wine an outstanding score because of its seductiveness. However, I do not think it possesses quite the level of extract and concentration to merit an exceptional rating. Nevertheless, it is an extremely pleasing style of claret. The deep ruby color is followed by an open-knit, black cherry, raspberry, and smoky, roasted herb-scented nose. There is round, lush, ripe fruit, medium body, exceptional elegance and purity, and a soft, velvety-textured finish. Think of it as liquid charm and silk. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2014.