La Conseillante 1985 (1.5L)

98 DE / 94 WA /  17.5 JR

More than three hours after it was opened and decanted, this imperious 32 year old Pomerol had only gained in complexity and depth on the nose and palate. Initially a little shy and closed, this bottle simply began to blossom and flourish as floral violet notes vied for attention with cedary cassis, cherry, ink, musk, truffle, leather and a leafy undergrowth note. Beguilingly supple, tense, fresh and vital, this sublimely mature and supremely elegant wine in double magnum form should last for another 15-20 years. Pure pleasure.-John Stimpfig, Decanter

The 1985 Château La Conseillante has long been one of my favorite vintages of this decade and this ex-château bottle, opened by co-proprietor Valmy Nicolas, did nothing to change that opinion. The nose is disarming with those gorgeous warm gravel scents infusing the melted red berry fruit. This is Pomerol through and through, fully mature yet still captivating. The palate is beautifully balanced with fine tannin, moderate depth, displaying that fleshiness and comeliness that the finest 1985 Pomerol wines possess. It is almost easy-drinking in nature, so much so that you almost miss its inherent complexity. At its peak now, if you own any bottles, enjoy them now, though larger formats will offer 10-15 years of pleasure. Tasted November 2015.-Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate

Tasted blind – and correctly identified that this was the wine in double magnum. Slightly deeper dark ruby. Less aromatic. More hidden and occluded (winemaker Marielle Cazaux thought there may be a slight cork problem). Deep and rich on the palate – quite a dramatic contrast with the first 1985 tasted. Even some denseness and good balance between fruit and acidity and even a slight hint of tannin. Slight dustiness.-Jancis Robinson