La Conseillante 2005 (750ML)

97 Points, Robert M. Parker, Jr., Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Displaying spectacular aromatics of mulberry, blueberry and raspberry fruit, a dense ruby/purple color, and sweet floral notes, in the mouth the 2005 La Conseillante is not as broad and powerful as Petrus, Trotanoy, Hosanna or Lafleur, but it is gorgeously silky, elegant and stylish. This medium-bodied, savory wine is a graceful, provocative and compelling Pomerol to drink now and over the next 25 years." 06/15

96 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2005 La Conseillante is blessed with a truly fabulous, multi-faceted bouquet with layers of redcurrant and cranberry, rose petals, truffle oil, orange rind and hints of Dorset plum. The aromatics here are the most impressive...thus far. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin and a keen line of acidity, fresh and more saline in the mouth compared to the 2004, also with greater mineralité towards the finish. Now we are beginning to see the precision that the property is known for today and you have to stand back and admire the persistence, residues of spice lingering forty-five seconds after the wine has bid adieu. This is evolving with consummate grace and style. Tasted at La Conseillante vertical at the property." 02/18

97 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2005 La Conseillante is a rich, heady Pomerol. Crème de cassis, lavender, chocolate, leather, espresso, licorice and sweet French oak infuse the 2005 with tremendous character. The 2005 is, naturally, a wine of its era. There is quite a bit of extraction and tannin, and yet the wine has aged impeccably. Time in the glass brings out energy and aromatic lift to round things out nicely. The 2005 just got better and better with time, so I suggest giving it a good bit of air. I would prefer to drink it over the next decade or so." 04/21

98 Points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com: "This really does have a wonderful texture that is reminiscent of great pinot noir while remaining obviously cabernet franc and merlot. It shows a seductive nose of cream, berries, chocolate and flowers. It's full-bodied, very intense and seamless in length. Pure class. Drink now and enjoy but will improve for years ahead." 11/15

97 Points, James Suckling, Wine Spectator: "This is decadent and wild on the nose, with fresh cèpe, raw steak and wild berry. Full-bodied, with loads of velvety tannins, yet refined and caressing in every way. A beautiful, balanced red. The best young wine ever from this producer. Best after 2017. 4,165 cases made." 03/08

96 Points, Jane Anson, Decanter: "Beautifully creamy in texture, well balanced with some gentle white pepper spice, truffles and soft raspberries along with saffron and smoke edging. This is a great moment to drink, particularly because there was a little less density overall in La Conseillante during this era, and so it has reached a drinking window a little earlier than it tends to do in years from 2010 onwards. Effortless balance. A yield of 38hl/ha. 100% new oak" 01/21

97 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com: "The 2005 La Conseillante is powerhouse effort that’s still youthfully ruby/plum colored and possesses a lively, vibrant style. Deep, concentrated, full-bodied, and incredibly well balanced, it offers a killer bouquet of dark fruits, kirsch, toasty oak, incense, and licorice. While just now at the early stages of maturity, it has another two decades of longevity and is certainly a match for the 2000 and 1990." 12/17