I have always enjoyed the wines from Chateau La Conseillante; which in many ways resembles the great Cheval Blanc more than Petrus or other top Pomerols. There are good reasons for this. The vineyard is located between Chateau Cheval Blanc and Chateau Petrus and the blend of grapes (approximately 45% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot & 10% Malbec) is more similar to Cheval Blanc than Petrus or other top Pomerols that are predominantly Merlot. In general, La Conseillante is a wine that's drinkable early - usually from 4-5 years old. The 1999 vintage is surprisingly accessible in its youthful state with a dark ruby red color and bouquet of dark berries and spice. The wine needs to breath for 30 minutes or more after which it offers multiple layers of delicious and elegant fruit, chocolate and mineral flavors. This wine is delicious now and should continue to develop over the next two decades. Match this wine with roasted fowl dishes and elegant meat stews with hearty red wine sauces. Serve the wine at 18 C.
John H. Isacs