Château La Conseillante - Pomerol 1998 b5952cb1c3ab96cb3c8c63cfb3dccaca

Decanter.com

95 / 100

byJane Ansonthe12/1/2017

The difference in aromatic power between 1997 and 1998 - a particularly good year in Pomerol - is wonderfully instructive: this displays its violet signature on the nuanced nose, while the flavours are soft, early-tertiary but hugely persistent, gently tugging you back in. It's a stunning wine, the tannins present but with an overall impression of carefully placed elegance and enrobed power. Of the four vintages tasted so far, this has the most time left ahead of it.

Wine Advocate

93 / 100

byNeal Martinthe5/1/2011

93+Tasted at the La Conseillante vertical at Chez Bruce. The first bottle is oxidized, the second better with an intense bouquet with hints of mint, coca and mocha, showing more Cabernet Franc character than recent bottles, with impressive delineation. The palate is medium-bodied, quite fresh and vibrant with grainy tannins, good acidity and persistency with a meaty, savoury, Cabernet Franc driven finish. Very fine and it improves with time, with an edgy citrus finish and delicious dark chocolate/espresso decorating the aftertaste. I have had better bottles of the '98, but this is still a lovely Pomerol that should enter its plateau in the next couple of years. Tasted December 2010. 93+

WeinWisser

16 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe10/26/2007

Aufhellendes Granat, im rubinen Rand Reifetöne zeigend. In der Nase (wie beim Jahrgang 2001) fleischige Noten, an Bratensauce und Wildfleisch erinnernd, dahinter Dörrpflaumen, sogar ein Hauch grüne Pfefferschote sowie ein parfümierte Touch Eukalyptus, eher unlogisch für das heisse JAhr. Saftiger, samtiger Gaumen, homogene, feine Gliederung der reifen, geschmeidgen Tannine, wieder eine zarte Geraniolnote spürbar, viel Frische verleihend, im Finale Black Currant und dunkle Pralinen. Von der Kraft her chancelos gegen die anderen, mächtigen 1998er Pomerol, vielleicht von den Finessen her, Leichtigkeit gut spürbar.

Wine Advocate

94-96 / 100

byNeal Martinthe1/31/2006

It is difficult to split straws between this and the 2000 - perhaps this just has the upper hand because of its breeding and complexity. A sumptuous blackberry and cassis palate tinged with espresso towards the finish. Superb length - even longer than the 2000. A wine just getting into its stride but it is still in the ascent. Tasted January 2006.

Wine Advocate

90 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2001

An evolved dark plum/garnet color is followed by captivating, sexy, raspberry, soy, Asian spice, kirsch liqueur, and toasty vanillin aromas. While not a blockbuster, this opulently-textured, medium-bodied effort is a model of elegance, harmony, finesse, and complexity. This wine's low acidity as well as wonderfully ripe fruit invite immediate consumption; it should last for 12-15 years.

Wine Spectator

91 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe1/31/2001

Textbook Pomerol. Well-crafted, with tobacco, berry and cedar aromas. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long finish. Best after 2007.

Wine Advocate

91-93 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2000

This wine has developed gorgeously during its elevage in barrel. The dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by explosive aromas of black raspberries, cherries, licorice, dried herbs, and sweet, toasty oak, layers of fruit on the mid-palate, a supple, seamless texture, and glorious length. While not massive (La Conseillante never is), its succulence, flamboyant aromatics, and harmonious finish grab the taster's attention. Drink it over the next two decades. This wine has put on considerable weight since it was tasted last year.

Wine Advocate

88-90 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/1999

While this wine's positive attributes include its openness, undeniably sexy voluptuousness and forwardness, I wonder if it could not be even better with slightly more intensity and concentration? The medium-bodied 1998 is a dark ruby color, and the wine offers fragrant peppery, raspberry jam, and cherry notes along with toasty oak and licorice scents. In the mouth, its finesse, elegance, and velvety texture are noteworthy. Because of its low acidity and forward, open-knit style, this wine will be drinkable upon release, and keep for 12-15 years.

Wine Spectator

90-94 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe3/31/1999

An elegant wine, with sweet fruit and well-integrated, fine tannins. Long, sweet fruit finish. Simply outstanding, with ripe and beautiful fruit; could use a bit more fruit concentration but what's there is impressive.