The 2004 La Conseillante has put on weight since I tasted it from barrel. Made in an atypically structured, tight style, the deep ruby/blue-tinged 2004 offers up sweet mulberry, cassis, licorice, and roasted herb aromas as well as flavors. This medium-bodied, moderately tannic effort will benefit from 1-3 years of cellaring, and should keep for 12-15 years. It is somewhat reminiscent of the 1999. This is a very good wine, but the 2005 and 2006 blow it away – qualitatively speaking!

Perfumed and subtle, with blackberry, chocolate and light vanilla. Full-bodied, yet not a blockbuster, with wonderful, caressing mouthfeel and a medium-to-long finish. Balanced and refined. Best after 2010. 5,415 cases made. -JS