Chateau La Conseillante (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2014

Classical elegance in an uncompromising form, whereby the richness is beautifully interwoven with the dry tannins. The finish very long, savory and complex. A lot of delicate spicy and olive notes make this really complex.

Charming and silky, this could stand in for a Chambolle-Musigny, with blood orange and damson plum coulis notes hitting a slightly higher pitch before turning to darker plum and black cherry flavors. Gorgeous floral and rooibos tea details fill in on the long, suave finish. A graceful version that will be hard to lay off, though capable of handling cellaring. Best from 2020 through 2035.

The 2014 La Conseillante has a well-defined bouquet with brambly red berry fruit, minerals, touches of seaweed and light incense aromas that develop fine intensity in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannin. This Pomerol is very well poised with perfectly judged acidity. Whilst not a match for Titans like the 1989 or 2010, this La Conseillante possesses nuance and sophistication, a precision that does justice to the name. It should be earlier-drinking that other vintages that I have tasted, though given the terroir and track record, it would not surprise me if it gives 25 years of drinking pleasure. Tasted twice with consistent notes.