Château La Conseillante, Pomerol, 2018

Produced from 83% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Conseillante continues the progress made here since Marielle took the reins, but for us, this isn't a return to the glory days of Conseillante. This great terroir should aspire to greater things. Initially very floral with notes of crème de cassis, dandelions and soft, generous damsons. This is all very creamy and velour textured, seductive and plush with notes of violets and a hint of minerality; it's cohesive and very nice, but it lacks the gravitas and complexity we know this Chateau can deliver.