Monday was a La Conseillante dinner at Bobby Van’s in midtown East. I was last one there (hey, only 3 minutes late) and found a nice group waiting.
Also waiting was the NV Benoit Lahaye “Naturessence” Champagne. I liked at first- on drier side, pear and apple fruit, some Parker house rolls, touch of nuttiness. But I loved later when I revisited with my crabcake (I can’t really get into meaty appetizers before a steak, nor do I want Pomerol with my crab). White fruits, gunsmoke, chalk, long. A-
On to the reds. I had a rare tomahawk, sides of fries, hash browns, and spinach
2001 Ch. La Conseillante
This was comparatively restrained tight, but clearly with a beautiful underlying structure. Revisited later in evening it had opened nicely- full and deep with redder fruits, espresso notes, long finish. Ramon brought this when I couldn’t find my lone bottle, I really hope I find it (in 10+ years). A-/B+
2000 Ch. La Conseillante
Much more open, red plums and framboise, ripe but not hot, some earth and mushrooms with time. Drinking well already. B+
1999 Ch. La Conseillante
Forward, almost slutty, sweet black cherry, ready to go, fun but with less backbone than other vintages. B
1998 Ch. La Conseillante
Tightest wine of the night, but with enormous potential. Black cherry and raspberry, smoke, floral notes, but mostly wrapped up tight. Firm but integrated acids and tannn. Should be very long lived. B+ for now
1995 Ch. La Conseillante
Red fruits, mocha, open and giving, but with plenty of structure. A-
1990 Ch. La Conseillante
Whoa, just a great showing. Ripe black fruit, balanced, elegant. Rich fruit accented with cigarbox and truffle. A-/A
1989 Ch. La Conseillante
Structured, cassis and earth, herby, really good. A-
1982 Ch. La Conseillante
Not as fresh as the 89/90 pair, but nice mature Pomerol with black plum fruit and cocoa.
B+
No wine that I wouldn’t happily drink. Group voting for WOTN
1990 23 pts (my #1)
1989 15 pts (my #3)
1995 7 pts (my #2)
1982 2 pts
1998 1 pt
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C drinkable. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice.Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.