Chateau la Conseillante 2010

JAMES SUCKLING: "The nose is exuberant, with pure violets and berries. Insane. This is so straight and racy, with super fine tannins and a long, long finish. There is a minimalist clarity to the wine. Superb."

WEINWISSER: "Ich kann mich nicht erinnern, bei einem La Conseillante Primeur je eine solch dunkle Farbe gesehen zu haben. Violett mit lila Schimmer. Heidelbeeren, Brombeerstauden, Rauch, Tabak und eine Spur Eukalyptus. Fester Gaumen mit Fleisch und Muskeln, Lakritze, getrocknete Heidelbeeren, absolut tiefgründig, eine Vollpackung mit unglaublich viel Finessen – genial!"

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "A brilliant effort from this property, known for the sheer elegance and finesse of its wines, the 2010 La Conseillante offers back-to-back monumental efforts, particularly given the remarkable 2009. This estate has been on a hot streak of late. The 2010 is a slightly bigger, richer wine, but without losing its floral, elegant mulberry, black raspberry and sweet kirsch notes. Combine those with some licorice, subtle new oak and a hint of forest floor, and the result is a medium to full-bodied, rich, complex wine that has striking aromatics and perfect balance in the mouth. Forget it for 3-5 years and drink it over the following 30."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Features substantial but very velvety structure running from start to finish, delivering a muscular feel for now. The hard edges are fully absorbed by the core of plum sauce, steeped blackberry and warm boysenberry reduction notes. The finish offers gorgeous tobacco and ganache accents lurking in the wings, along with flickers of anise and incense that should guide this version to increased elegance with age. Best from 2016 through 2034."