
Château La Conseillante
Bordeaux
Address:
Château La Conseillante, SC des Héritiers NIcolas, Rue de Catusseau, Pomerol, France
Website:
Winemaker:
Marielle Cazaux
First Vintage:
Accepts Visitors:
Special Request
PRESTIGE

4
Summary
Château La Conseillante is an esteemed winery that has become synonymous with the finest expressions of wine from the Pomerol appellation on Bordeaux's Right Bank. Nestled in the heart of this prestigious landscape, La Conseillante boasts a rich history and a well-deserved reputation for producing wines of exceptional quality and elegance.
**History and Legacy:**
Founded in the mid-18th century, Château La Conseillante has a storied history that spans more than 300 years. The property was named after Catherine Conseillan, who owned the estate in the 18th century, and it has been associated with the Nicolas family since 1871. Over the years, the family's commitment to excellence and the continuity of their methods have helped to sustain the winery's reputation for producing some of the most sought-after wines in the region.
**Terroir and Vineyards:**
Located just east of the infamous Château Pétrus, the vineyard covers 12 hectares (about 30 acres) of prime Pomerol terroir, with a soil composition that is a mix of clay and gravel. The clay is particularly important as it is rich in iron oxide, giving the wine its distinctive character. The vineyards are planted with a majority of Merlot (around 80%), which is characteristic of Pomerol and adds lush, plummy flavors to the wines, with the remaining 20% being Cabernet Franc, adding structure and aromatic complexity.
**Winemaking Philosophy:**
La Conseillante's philosophy hones in on precision, respect for the terroir, and meticulous attention to detail. The winemaking process is a blend of traditional and modern techniques. The grapes are hand-harvested and sorted to ensure that only the best fruit is used. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, and the wine is then aged in French oak barrels, a portion of which are new, to enhance its structure and flavor without overpowering the wine's natural characteristics.
**The Wine:**
The wines of Château La Conseillante are known for their aromatic complexity, silky tannins, and their capability to age gracefully over many years. On the nose, the wines often exhibit a bouquet of ripe black and red fruits, accented with floral notes like violet, and a hint of spice from the oak aging. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet refined, showing flavors that echo the nose, along with an elegant, velvety texture and a persistent finish. The balance between the Merlot and Cabernet Franc provides a harmonious blend of richness and freshness, making the wines of La Conseillante both opulent and refined.
**Visiting the Estate:**
For enthusiasts desiring a closer look at the traditions and craft of Château La Conseillante, the estate offers intimate tours by appointment. Visitors get to explore the vineyards, the fermentation rooms, and barrel cellars, concluding with a tasting of the estate's prestigious offerings. The experience provides insight into the winery's dedication to quality and the subtleties of winemaking that contribute to the high esteem in which connoisseurs hold La Conseillante.
**The Label and Brand:**
Château La Conseillante is also distinguishable by its elegant label, which features the silver emblem of the Nicolas family – a silver bell. This emblem represents the family's heritage and their commitment to harmony in their wines.
**The Legacy Continues:**
With a blend of rich history, meticulous winemaking, and a prime terroir, Château La Conseillante continues to stand as a pillar of excellence within Pomerol and the broader wine world. Connoisseurs and collectors around the globe seek out the wines of La Conseillante for their cellars, knowing that each vintage carries with it the legacy and the promise of one of Bordeaux's most cherished estates.