Château La Conseillante, Pomerol, 2014
Jean-Michel Laporte explained that the conditions were so perfect in September and October that he felt there was no risk of over ripeness. He decided to delay the harvest and attain better maturity. They also extracted more than usual and had longer macerations. They didn't do any pigeage, but they did do some more gentle pumping over. The musts had a weight of about 35 hl/ha, but when they pressed they were a little disappointed with the yield. Produced from 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc, this is juicy, sleek and unforced. It is an admirable style which works with the vintage not against it. Initially, floral, with bright red berry fruits, hints of cedar, sweet bramble liqueur and cherry, it possesses some beautiful bitter-sweet mid-weight flavours of blood orange and crème de mûre. The overall impression is one of velvety, luxurious, unforced fruit and pleasing, elegant tannins. This is by no means a profound Conseillante, but it will give years of drinking pleasure.
critic reviews
The 2014 La Conseillante has a wonderful bouquet with wild strawberry, cranberry, wilted rose petal, salted licorice and violet-like aromas. As I wrote previously, it gains intensity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with finely chiseled tannins and a keen line of acidity, the new oak now entirely subsumed with a precise and reasonably persistent finish. Tasted at Bordeaux Index's 10-Year-On tasting.
The 2014 La Conseillante is medium to deep garnet-brick in color. Notes of dried cherries and rose oil spill from the glass, followed by hints of sassafras, black tea, and underbrush. The medium-bodied palate has compelling brightness with a refreshing backbone and soft tannins, finishing on a fragrant earth note.
Old school charm, but this is a little underpowered, soft rose petals, finely spun tannins, blackberry, raspberry, undergrowth, soft baked spices, this is ready to drink, and will keep delivering for another decade. Jean-Michel Laporte's last vintage as director.