The 2019 La Conseillante is elegant and nuanced, just as it was from barrel. All of the freshness and energy that was present en primeur comes through in the bottle. There is an element of sophistication, of reserve, that needs time to be fully expressive. The 2019 is a wine of linear precision more than volume or density. It should age exquisitely for many years to come.

The 2019 La Conseillante was stellar from the sample sent to "Martin Towers" in spring 2020, and the news is that there is no change in bottle. Allowed to open while gossiping away with winemaker Marielle Cazaux (you have to catch up when you are unable to see people regularly), the 2019 unveils an awesome, extraordinarily pure bouquet that seduces the senses, featuring dark cherries, blueberry, pressed violet and a touch of blood orange, all displaying wonderful delineation. The palate is medium-bodied and cohesive, with fine-grained tannins and a judicious touch of black pepper toward the finish, which fans out gloriously while maintaining a sense of class. The best La Conseillante since the 2010? No - better.

The 2019 La Conseillante was picked 17-20 September for the Merlot and 30 September and 7 October for the Cabernet Franc. Yields were low at just 34hl/ha. The Grand Vin is aged in 70% new French oak, 27% one-year old barrels and 3% in clay amphora. Limpid purple in colour, this has an exquisite bouquet with pixelated blackberry and raspberry scents, laced with pressed iris and a touch of graphite. It reminds me of a less powerful version of the 2010 when I tasted that from barrel. The palate is very smooth with ebullient red and black fruit on the entry, then it tapers in a little, towards a very cohesive, satin-textured middle. This is definitely one of the purest La Conseillante wines that I have encountered from barrel. It delivers a subtle spiciness towards the finish with hints of tobacco and clove on the persistent aftertaste. Winemaker Marielle Cazaux and her team have conjured a magnificent Pomerol here.

General Manager and Winemaker Marielle Cazaux turned out one of the jewels of the vintage with the 2019 La Conseillante. Fresh, nuanced and beautifully perfumed, the 2019 is a total stunner from the very first taste. What impresses me most about the 2019 is its freshness and vivacity, both so rare in 2019 in Pomerol. Inky dark fruit, lavender, mint and spice all build effortlessly. At 16%, the Cabernet Franc is particularly expressive, especially in the wine's aromatics. The 2019 is a wine of pure and total sensuality. Don't miss it. Harvest took place from September 17 to 20 for the Merlot and September 30 to October 7 for the Cabernet Franc, picking only in the early morning to preserve freshness in the fruit. In the cellar, Cazaux opted for a reduced number of pumpovers but over longer periods of time. Malolactic fermentation was done mostly (80%) in steel. Aging is in 70% new oak, 27% once-used barrels and 3% amphora, and is projected to be 16-17 months.

Majoring on Cabernet Franc character at this point, clear spice notes with rosebud, fragrant raspberry leaf, the most gorgeously powerful aromatics. On the palate you get cassis, bilberry, liquorice, dark chocolate shavings, balanced yet concentrated. Love this wine, and it is a brilliant example of the vintage. Harvest September 17 to October 9 (picking just a day at a time as needed, spread out over three weeks). Bottled mid June. 70% new oak, 30% amphoras. 34hl/h yield.