1989 La Conseillante
By Chateau La Conseillante
1989 La Conseillante from Chateau La Conseillante, Pomerol, Bordeaux
Pomerol's 1989 vintage exudes a gravitas befitting of its celebrated status, its reputation bolstered by wines that have marvelled connoisseurs and collectors alike. The 1989 La Conseillante from Chateau La Conseillante represents the pinnacle of this opulent year, a vintage that supports the estate's illustrious heritage with aplomb.
Experiencing the Grandeur
The legendary 1989 season was marked by an early flowering and hot summer, culminating in conditions that propelled Merlot to its most sumptuous realms. In the glass, this creates a compelling narrative – one of opulence tempered by precision. The aromas of black truffle, ripe plum and hints of violets arise with an aristocratic confidence. On the palate, these scents merge into a tapestry woven with plush tannins and an acidity that whispers of longevity.
A Confluence of Terroir and Time
Tasting the 1989 La Conseillante is like traversing through time to an era when nature and vintner coalesced into a perfect union. Subtleties within this outstanding expression speak to the deep clay soils typical of Pomerol, which gift us with Merlot's fullest expression. The result is a rounded claret that maintains an exquisite tension between heft and elegance.
For wise investors keen on including iconic Bordeaux in their portfolio, the 1989 vintage from Chateau La Conseillante stands as a testament to age-worthy investment-grade wines. Its current stage reveals a harmony of mature nuances alongside a joyous vibrancy that promises further evolution for those patient enough to allow it repose in their cellars.
In Vino Veritas
The story of the 1989 La Conseillante enfolds within each sip – it is at once historical record and sensual delight. Herein lies a treasure of wine investment – a vessel not only holding value but also embodying the artistry of French winemaking tradition. As decades pass, this wine retains its esteemed place among the celebrated vintages of Pomerol, an ode to a year when nature's generosity was matched by man's expertise. It remains one of the most illustrious chapters in the tome of viniculture history.
Market price (GBP)
£3,460.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
216.25
Scores and tasting notes
Having tasted the 1989 Château La Conseillante on more than a dozen occasions, I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that it is one of my favourite Pomerols from the vintage. Although on its day, the 1989 Clinet can outplay La Conseillante, the fact of the matter is that the latter is the more consistent Pomerol. Here, it has that beguiling bouquet of melted black fruit, sage, undergrowth and hints of bacon fat, like a wagging finger inviting you inside. The palate is smooth and harmonious, a mixture of red and black fruit that seem to revel on the precocity of the growing season, even though it was now 27 years ago. It is a voluminous, mouth-filling Pomerol, but not extravagant, flamboyant for sure and yet never betraying its roots. It's just a wonderful La Conseillante, a thoroughbred Pomerol that puts a smile on your face. Tasted January 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 July 2016