2013 La Conseillante (Pomerol)

The Conseillante is a blend of 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc picked between 25 September and finishing with the latter on 7 October, cropped at 30hl/ha. The wine is being raised in 65% new barrels. There is something "tranquil" about the aromatics of the La Conseillante. Fresh strawberry and violet scents gently waft from the glass: nothing powerful but very pure, the oak seeming to be nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. This is quite a taut and linear La Conseillante with fresh acidity, more masculine than recent vintages and perhaps edging towards a more classic style. It gently builds in the mouth and leaves just a hint of iodine on the finish. This is a fine, precise La Conseillante for mid-term drinking. Tasted April 2014. 90-92 points

This is lively and refined with a blueberry and cherry character. Medium body with fine tannins and a tangy finish. Bright and lively. Salty. Savory. 87% merlot and 13% cabernet franc. 90-91 points