1989 La Conseillante

The 1989 La Conseillante is one of the top performers in Pomerol and arguably now one of the best values. This bottle confirms that exuberance and joie-de-vivre on the nose, displaying the telltale crushed violets in bloom, with precious but controlled red and black fruit underneath. The palate is sumptuous from the start, presenting cashmere tannin and perhaps a little more glycerine in this bottle. The bravura finish leaves you grinning from ear to ear. Stunning, and it will remain on its plateau for many years. Tasted at the 1989 Bordeaux dinner at Hatched in London.

Very rich start and then a dry finish. Sweet and scented. Admirably fresh. (JR)

The 1989 La Conseillante is one of my favourite vintages from this decade and in recent years has probably matured better than its 1990 counterpart. The most recent bottle confirms this. Even at 29 years of age it boasts an astonishing, exuberant, floral nose with crushed violet interwoven into the plush black cherry and blueberry fruit. There is something ravishing, sumptuous yet not decadent about these aromatics. The palate continues the theme with plush, cashmere tannin, perfect acidity and disarming purity. It has tremendous depth with a finish that you could almost describe as "spherical", not a hard edge in sight. It is a magnificent La Conseillante, one of the finest Pomerols in 1989. Tasted at the "International Business & Wine" Pomerol dinner at 10 Trinity.