Tasted at Bordeaux Index’s “10-Year On” tasting in London. Comparing the La Conseillante to the L’Evangile, the former has a riper, more voluminous bouquet with fruitcake, raisin and dried herbs aromas that demonstrate good vigour, if not great nuance. The palate is medium-bodied with low acidity, supple and rounded tannins that lend it a plush mouthfeel, especially compared to its aforementioned neighbour. The finish is high toned and forward with hints of white pepper and spice, although it does not relate the essence of the terroir with the same clarity as say, the 2004. Tasted March 2013.

(93 pts)
A lovely, opulent nose of cherry, cassis and a touch of tinned prune. Superb definition and focus: real class here. The palate is rich and dense with a smorgasbord of sweet, blackberry with beautifully entwined new oak. The firm structure underpinning the wine comes through on the tannic finish. Good length with a touch of dark chocolate on the finish. Drinking 2010-2020. Tasted January 2007.

Drink 2008-2016
-Parker's Wine Buyer's Guide No 7

Seductive in a superficial manner, the 2003 La Conseillante exhibits a deep ruby/plum color with purple nuances followed by captivating aromas of mulberries, black cherries, licorice, and flowers. In the mouth, the wine is luscious, soft, and velvety-textured with sweet tannin. It does not possess profound depth. Drink it now and over the next 7-10 years. Obviously, vintage conditions forced this estate to harvest early, hence the lack of intense concentration.

La Conseillante’s 2003 is better than expected given the sandy, gravelly soils of this sector of Pomerol, which did not fare well in this vintage. Sweet raspberry fruit intermixed with licorice, incense and a touch of herbs are followed by a medium-bodied, fully mature, ripe wine to enjoy over the next 3-4 years.

(80% new oak) Full red-ruby. Lower-toned aromas of raspberry and smoke. Nicely ripe and suave in the mouth, with flavors of raspberry liqueur, chocolate and minerals. Fairly dense and lush for the vintage; showed stronger raspberry fruit with aeration, as well as considerable charm. The tannins are dusty but not dry. Laporte says this will be best between ages five and ten, and is not likely to have the longevity of the 2001.