Community Tasting Note

ikkaariainen Likes this wine:

Thursday, October 27, 2022 - Tasted alongside '09, '15, '16, '17 and '18 at a Ch. La Conseillante dinner at restaurant BOCA in Hickory NC with vineyard managing director & winemaker Marielle Cazaux in attendance - at this point of maturation rated #3 for me out of that group behind the '09 and '17. A master class in R bank merlot-based Bdx wines and La Conseillante in particular was had that night. This vintage is 86% merlot / 14% CF and the percentages vary slightly vintage to vintage with the merlot being roughly ~ 80-85% and CF making up the rest. Entering a mature drinking window and thus drink or hold. If drunk now would recommend at least 2-3 hours open in bottle or a 60-90 minute decant in decanter or glass. With proper cellaring this has at least 2+ decades left so leaning on the hold. A "classic" cooler year R bank Bdx wine. Paired beautifully with braised short ribs and mushrooms. Dark reddish purple with some peripheral bricking starting to develop, mature, balanced, softening mouth feel but very full bodied, fruit forward but not to the same level as the younger wines, tannins integrating with oak present but hardly noticeable (we found out this is on purpose, very much their style and intent) and a lovely long lingering aftertaste. Nose dark and soft with dark stone fruit, garrigue, vanilla and enough of a hint of white pepper on the tail to make your nose itch a bit. Flavor profile evolving into a classic R bank Bdx profile with dark stone fruit, crushed blue- and blackberries, coffee, leather, black pepper, truffle and a hint of smoke on the finish. Ridiculously good, highly recommend despite the price point - well worth the money if high end Bdx is your thing and I can't believe this was my #3 given how truly excellent it is.

Post a Comment / View ikkaariainen's profile
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue (1,925 views)