Chateau La ConseillanteProducer from Bordeaux, France

Pomerol, Bordeaux

Château La Conseillante is one of the most renowned estates in Pomerol, celebrated for producing wines of exceptional elegance, complexity, and aromatic purity. Despite not being included in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, La Conseillante is widely regarded as one of the finest wines in Bordeaux, consistently delivering a unique expression of the Pomerol terroir. With a history that spans over 300 years and a commitment to producing wines of the highest quality, Château La Conseillante remains a benchmark for the appellation.

History of Château La Conseillante

The history of Château La Conseillante dates back to the early 18th century when it was established by Catherine Conseillan, after whom the estate is named. The property remained in the Conseillan family until the mid-18th century when it was acquired by the Nicolas family, who have owned and managed the estate ever since. The family’s long-standing dedication to quality and tradition has been instrumental in establishing La Conseillante as one of the leading estates in Pomerol.

In the 20th century, under the stewardship of the Nicolas family, Château La Conseillante began to gain international recognition for the exceptional quality of its wines. The estate underwent significant modernization, including the introduction of temperature-controlled fermentation and the use of new oak barrels. These innovations, combined with meticulous vineyard management, have helped Château La Conseillante maintain its reputation as one of Pomerol’s most distinguished producers.

Today, Château La Conseillante is managed by Marielle Cazaux, who continues the family’s tradition of excellence while also embracing modern techniques to enhance the quality of the wines.

The Terroir of Château La Conseillante

The terroir of Château La Conseillante is one of its most prized assets, contributing to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 12 hectares of vineyards are located on the eastern edge of the Pomerol plateau, where the soils are a mix of gravel, clay, and sand. These well-drained soils are ideal for cultivating Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the dominant grape varieties at La Conseillante.

The vineyard is planted with 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. This blend reflects the estate’s commitment to capturing the full potential of its terroir, with Merlot providing richness and roundness, and Cabernet Franc contributing structure, freshness, and aromatic complexity.

The unique combination of soils, exposure, and grape varieties allows Château La Conseillante to produce wines that are both powerful and elegant, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Château La Conseillante

Winemaking at Château La Conseillante is a meticulous process that combines tradition with innovation. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo rigorous sorting to ensure that only the finest fruit is used in the winemaking process. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, allowing for precise control over the extraction of flavours and tannins.

The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for 18 to 20 months, with about 70% new oak used each year. This ageing process enhances the wines' complexity and depth, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavours to integrate harmoniously. The result is a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of developing greater complexity and nuance over time.