Area under vines: 11,8 hectares
Soils: clay and gravel, iron dross
Average age of the vines: 34 years
Production: 45 000 bottles a year
Ageing: in 75% new oak for 18 months
Grape varieties:
Second wine: Duo de Conseillante
The 2005 La Conseillante is a rich, heady Pomerol. Creme de cassis, lavender, chocolate, leather, espresso, licorice and sweet French oak infuse the 2005 with tremendous character. The 2005 is, naturally, a wine of its era. There is quite a bit of extraction and tannin, and yet the wine has aged impeccably. Time in the glass brings out energy and aromatic lift to round things out nicely. The 2005 just got better and better with time, so I suggest giving it a good bit of air. I would prefer to drink it over the next decade or so.
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2035
85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc. Harvested Merlot 12-16 September, Cabernet Franc on 23 September. Yields 38 hl/ha. Fermented in stainless steel, fully temperature controlled and vatted for 28 days. 100% in new French oak barrels. pH 3.82. Tasted blind. More evolved rim than the other 2005 tasted alongside (which turned out to be the wine in double magnum). Healthy crimson. Masses of sweet, almost dried fruit with a hint of leafiness and a big charge of tannins. Dusty finish with some iron filings and lots of future pleasure in prospect. Masses of tension and fruit. Clean but not that persistent finish.
Anticipated maturity: 2020-2040
Displaying spectacular aromatics of mulberry, blueberry and raspberry fruit, a dense ruby/purple color, and sweet floral notes, in the mouth the 2005 La Conseillante is not as broad and powerful as Petrus, Trotanoy, Hosanna or Lafleur, but it is gorgeously silky, elegant and stylish. This medium-bodied, savory wine is a graceful, provocative and compelling Pomerol to drink now and over the next 25 years.
Anticipated maturity: 2015-2040
