Medium-deep ruby. Captivating, perfumed nose combines blackberry, licorice and violet; exotic and sweet. Thick and intensely flavored, with the strong violet and exotic spice character carrying through on the palate. Offers a very firm structure, no doubt largely due to the wine substantial cabernet franc component. Ripe tannins spread out to cover the entire palate. Offers outstanding potential. My sample of the '99 Conseillante was distinctly green.

La Conseillante made an excellent wine in 2001, another great one in 2005, and the estate hit home runs in both 2008 and, above all, in 2009. In fact, the latter vintage may well end up being the modern-day reference point for La Conseillante. Nevertheless, there's a lot to be said for this 2000. An elegant, gentle style that is never a blockbuster, the 2000 La Conseillante has a deep ruby/plum/purple color and an unbelievably expressive nose of sweet kirsch liqueur intermixed with raspberries, incense, toast, and licorice. Full-bodied yet ethereal in the sense that it seems to combine power along with eloquence and delicacy, this is a beautifully pure wine that has just hit its plateau of full maturity, although ideally I think it would benefit strongly from another 4-5 years of bottle age and drink well for two to three decades.

An incredibly subtle and sexy nose of perfume, flowers, red fruits, and sliced plums. Full-bodied, yet refined and silky. This is delicious and pretty, and just starting to open up with flavors of tobacco, cedar, and cigar box. No need to wait.

A balanced and harmonious red, with berry, mineral and cherry character. Full- to medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a lovely silky finish. Score range: 89-91