Chateau La Conseillante   La Conseillante

2013 La Conseillante

By Chateau La Conseillante

2013 La Conseillante from Chateau La Conseillante, Pomerol, Bordeaux

The 2013 vintage of the acclaimed Pomerol region posed quite the challenge for viticulturists and winemakers alike, with the capabilities of each chateau under the microscope due to capricious climatic conditions throughout the growing season. Despite these adversities, the 2013 La Conseillante from Chateau La Conseillante emerges as a testament to the resilience and finesse of the estate's profound understanding of its terroir.

 

Resilience in the Face of Adversity: The 2013 Harvest

The erratic weather patterns of 2013 called for meticulous care in vineyard management and astute decision-making at harvest time. It was a vintage where the rigour and precision practised at Chateau La Conseillante were put to a stern test. Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes demanded concerted attention, yet under expert hands, they yielded a wine with unexpected charm and complexity.

 

A Profile Marked by Elegant Survival

Upon sampling, the first impression is one of aromatic restraint—whispers of dark fruit, herbaceous tones, and an undercurrent of minerality set this vintage apart from its more opulent counterparts. To taste, the 2013 La Conseillante is an exercise in balance; a seamless integration of fruit and acidity shimmering against soft tannins that promise grace with age. While not as immediately voluptuous as other illustrious years, it is precisely its reticence—a harmonious alignment under pressure—that fascinates the cognoscenti.

Investors searching for a poised expression from Pomerol will find value in this nuanced performance. With adept cellaring, patience will uncover layers within this enigmatic bottle, rewarding those who appreciate the subtler dialogues of Bordeaux wines.

 

The Verdict: A Symbiosis with Time

For those with foresight, the 2013 La Conseillante from Chateau La Conseillante reveals itself as an investment piece divergent from mainstream exuberance yet steeped in dignified execution. Unfurling slowly over time, this Pomerol beckons connoisseurs who delight in the unfolding narrative that only vintages such as these can offer—a symphony of nuances amidst a background of resilience.

Market price (GBP)

£960.00

12x75cl

Highest score

89

POP score

106.67

Scores and tasting notes

89

The 2013 La Conseillante definitely has one of the better Pomerol aromatic profiles with light, clean and fresh black cherry and cranberry scents, a touch of potpourri developing behind. The palate is medium-bodied with bitter cherry and cranberry notes, the oak jutting out a little at present and drying the finish. Austere for the normally more succulent and fleshier La Conseillante, hopefully it will coalesce with 3 or 4 years in bottle.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 October 2016

Vintage performance