2011 Pomerol, Château La Conseillante
About Producer
Located on the Pomerol plateau and overlooking the border with St. Emilion, the 12ha vineyard of La Conseillante lies south of Vieux Château Certan, with L’Evangile, Cheval Blanc and Figeac at only a short distance away. It sits on blue clay and sandy gravel over a subsoil rich in ‘crasse de fer’ (iron dirt). Taking its name from Catherine Conseillan, an influential Libourne merchant who bought the estate in the 1730s, this property has been in the same family since 1871 after it was acquired by brothers Louis and Nicolas Nicolas. Since 2003, Bertrand and Jean-Valmy Nicolas, representing the 5th generation, are in charge. Since 2015, Marielle Cazaux is managing director and winemaker, with Michel Rolland as consultant œnologist.
Varietals
Blend of 82% merlot and 18% cabernet franc, aged in 65% new oak.
About Appellation
Pomerol has 792ha of vines sitting on a diverse range of gravel, sand and clay soil types. Vines were initially planted by the Romans and further expanded in the 12th century by the Knights Hospitallers of the Order of Saint-John of Jerusalem. Devastated during the Hundred Years' War and successive wars of religion, the vineyards were eventually reconstituted in the 15th and 16th centuries, when the Knight Hospitallers set up their first Commanderie in Libourne to welcome pilgrims travelling along the Way of Saint-James to Santiago de Compostela. Home to the top properties is a small plateau of 20ha at the eastern section of the appellation described as a 'boutonnière' (buttonhole) of blue clay, known as 'molasse', sitting on top of a band of sand and gravel rich in iron oxide, known as 'crasse de fer'. Merlot is the dominant grape variety, with cabernet franc playing a supporting role.
Tasting Notes
Inviting nose of dark fruits, incense, graphite, forest floor, violets and peonies, seamless mouthfeel with satiny texture, good volume and excellent fruit purity, multilayered flavours of blackberry, blueberry, morello cherry, damson, hints of mushroom, cocoa powder and dried herbs liberally laced with earthy mineral undertones, fine acidity and fluffy tannins carrying through a long, fresh finish. Having worn off the tautness of its youth, this is a beautifully crafted wine with graceful elegance, flawless balance and suave tenderness, cloaking its muscularity in alluring charm and class. Though not having the poise and complexity of greater years, it’s a remarkable effort for the tricky 2011 vintage and a lovely drop to sip while waiting for the fabulous 2015 and 2016 produced under Marielle Cazaux’ aegis to mature. (11/2023)