Pomerol
78% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Long considered one of the top three wines of Pomerol (along with Petrus and Vieux Chateau Certan), Chateau L’Evangile is planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc and produce a full bodied, rich, opulent, and long lived wine. The Chateau is under the same ownership as Chateau Lafite Rothschild.
Georgina Hindle - Decanter: 97/100
78% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Long considered one of the top three wines of Pomerol (along with Petrus and Vieux Chateau Certan), Chateau L’Evangile is planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc and produce a full bodied, rich, opulent, and long lived wine. The Chateau is under the same ownership as Chateau Lafite Rothschild.
Georgina Hindle - Decanter: 97/100
Fragrant redcurrant and cranberry. Milk chocolate, vanilla, creamy, fruity and fresh with cherry and plum fruit. Cool and crisp, so much freshness straight away and so sleek, the weight is there in the density of the ripe fruit but this keeps a very slick frame. Lovely movement and energy, softly vibrant but also quite rich - a spectrum of cranberry and blackcurrant and plum fruit gives lots of different expressions with liquorice and tobacco on the finish. Chalky and stony, a lovely mineral grip too. Feels sophisticated, with balance, nothing sticks out, suave and elegant. I love it’s gentle expression though, doesn’t shout but this will be so great to drink and enjoy. I love it. Everything seems to be balanced delicately on a tightrope, with tenderness, density and tension. Really great and more finessed than some Pomerols. 3.8pH. Ageing 8% amphora, 50% new oak, 15% foudre, the rest used barrels. 42hl/ha yield. Green harvests were performed to drop 15-20% of the potential yield, given the team 'had never seen so many grapes on the vines'. Drink 2034 - 2048.
James Suckling: 96-97/100
James Suckling: 96-97/100
A fine line of tannins runs through this medium- to full-bodied wine. Chocolate, walnut and lead pencil on very fine tannins. Classy and focused, providing elegance with strength. Tight at the end. 78% merlot, 21% cabernet franc and 1% cabernet sauvignon.
Jane Anson: 96/100
A fascinating exercise in terroir, as this shows the same alcohol as the Blason, but the density, fruit character and even the IPT (tannin) count are very different. You see the impact of clay soils in the building of the powerful architecture and the plush damson and black cherry fruits. There is density but tenderness to the tannins, with grilled caramel that gives a beautiful Pomerol signature. Violet floral edging arrives towards the finish, as things open up, and this is an impressive L'Evangile that can age with ease. 42hl/h yield, a record in recent years here. Certified organic since 2021. Great stuff from technical director Juliette Couderc.
Antonio Galloni - Vinous: 94-96/100
The 2023 L’Évangile is sensual and plush in the glass. Silky, refined tannins wrap around a core of dark-toned fruit, spice, mocha, leather and dried flowers. This opens nicely, leading to an explosive, deep finish that is quite compelling. Élevage is 50% new oak, 27% once-used barrels, 15% 26hL cask and 8% amphora. It's another fine effort from the team led by Technical Director Juliette Couderc. Drink 2030-2048.
Antonio Galloni - Vinous: 94-96/100
The 2023 L’Évangile is sensual and plush in the glass. Silky, refined tannins wrap around a core of dark-toned fruit, spice, mocha, leather and dried flowers. This opens nicely, leading to an explosive, deep finish that is quite compelling. Élevage is 50% new oak, 27% once-used barrels, 15% 26hL cask and 8% amphora. It's another fine effort from the team led by Technical Director Juliette Couderc. Drink 2030-2048.