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2004 L'Evangile
96 W&S
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Critic Reviews
No written reviews provided | 96 W&S
A stunning example of the vintage, the 2004 l’Evangile is not far off the pace of their brilliant 2005. A blend of 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc (3,000+ cases produced), it exhibits a deep ruby/plum color, superb ripeness, and sweet blackberry, truffle, acacia flower, licorice, and toasty oak aromas. This knock-out effort is surprisingly rich, opulent, and fruity with good glycerin, medium to full body, and a stunning finish. It should drink beautifully young yet age for 15 or more years.
Robert Parker | 93 RP
Saturated ruby-red. Wild aromas of plum, cured meat, milk chocolate, smoke, mace and cinnamon stick. Sweet and opulent for the vintage, with a distinctly velvety texture to the flavors of plum, mulberry, smoked meat and exotic spices. Finishes broad and sweet, with sexy suggestions of woodsmoke, chocolate and wild herbs. I've had a soft spot for this wine from the outset.
Vinous Media | 91 VM
The milk chocolate, berry and cedar character on the nose is subtle and refined. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a refined finish. All in finesse and elegance. Best after 2011. 3,330 cases made.
Wine Spectator | 91 WS
A stunning example of the vintage, the 2004 l’Evangile is not far off the pace of their brilliant 2005. A blend of 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc (3,000+ cases produced), it exhibits a deep ruby/plum color, superb ripeness, and sweet blackberry, truffle, acacia flower, licorice, and toasty oak aromas. This knock-out effort is surprisingly rich, opulent, and fruity with good glycerin, medium to full body, and a stunning finish. It should drink beautifully young yet age for 15 or more years.
Robert Parker | 93 RP
Saturated ruby-red. Wild aromas of plum, cured meat, milk chocolate, smoke, mace and cinnamon stick. Sweet and opulent for the vintage, with a distinctly velvety texture to the flavors of plum, mulberry, smoked meat and exotic spices. Finishes broad and sweet, with sexy suggestions of woodsmoke, chocolate and wild herbs. I've had a soft spot for this wine from the outset.
Vinous Media | 91 VM
The milk chocolate, berry and cedar character on the nose is subtle and refined. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a refined finish. All in finesse and elegance. Best after 2011. 3,330 cases made.
Wine Spectator | 91 WS
Wine Details for 2004 L'Evangile
| Type of Wine |
Bordeaux Red
: Picture in your mind a combination of cedar, lead pencil, blackcurrant, plum and mineral aromatics, and texture that caresses your palate like a playful lover. The experience is thrilling from the first whiff to the final seconds of a tannic, generous finish - that is what you'll get from a Bordeaux Red |
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| Varietal | Bordeaux Blend |
| Country |
France
: Wine is the lifeblood that courses through the country of France, pulsing with vigorous pride and determination. Viticulture is not just a hobby or an occupation in France; it is a passion, a cherished tradition that has been passed down through generations of wine stained hands. Winemaking is a beloved art that has been ingrained in the culture, an aptitude instilled in sons by fathers and the hallmark for which France’s reputation was built, allowing it to be renowned as, arguably, the most important wine producing country in the world. For centuries, France has been producing wines of superior quality and in much greater quantity than any other country in the world. It boasts some of the most impressive wine regions, coveted vineyards and prestigious wines on earth. The regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Sauternes and Champagne have become the benchmark, for which others aspire to become. Legendary producers such as Chateaux Margaux, Domaine De La Romanee Conti, Chapoutier, d’Yquem and Dom Perignon are idolized world-wide. France has stamped its name on nearly every style of wine, from the nectar-like sweet Sauternes to hedonistic Chateauneuf Du Papes classic Bordeaux and Burgundy, to its sparkling dominance in Champagne. Many of the most infamous grape varietals in the world, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay originated in France and are not only beloved, but utilized in the creation of some of the greatest wines on earth. French wine production commands the attention of the wine market year after year. With over 860,000 hectares under vine, and numbers close to 50 million hectoliters of wine produced annually, France dominates the market and sets the standard for not only product quality, but also quantity. France’s many contributions to the world of wine have been absolutely indispensable. The country is the originator of the term “Premier Cru,” coined the term Terroir (a French term so complex there is no literal translation) and has laid the blueprint for a structured appellation system, which others have implemented in their own countries. French vineyard techniques and winemaking practices are mimicked world-wide. California vintners have been replicating Rhone style wines for decades, South America has adopted the French varietal of Malbec and countries around the world are imitating Burgundian styled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. With vast diversity in terroir, France is home to some of the most hospitable winegrowing locations on earth. The combination of topography, geology, climate, rainfall and even the amount of sunlight combined with the long historical tradition of winegrowing and making, has allowed the vintners of France to not only hone their skills, but learn from nature to create a product that like the world in which it resides… is very much alive. |
Overview
| Producer |
Chateau L'Evangile
: As one of the oldest properties in Pomerol, Chateau L’Evangile has a long and storied history in the Bordeaux appellation. The property dates way back to 1741 when it was founded by the L’Eglise family who resided in Libourne. At that time the estate was under the name of Domaine de Fazilleau. As the years progressed, it became known as Le Domaine de L’Evangile ou de Fazilleau. When the property was purchased in 1862 by Jean-Paul Chaperon, the name finally changed to Chateau L’Evangile. Chaperon, who was related to the well-known and mighty Ducasse family is the one responsible for the famous Pomerol estate name that we recognize today. He is also responsible for constructing the chateau in 1874, and the one that still stands to this day. His efforts in adding vineyard land, swelling the size of the estate was an incredible feat and one that would play a major role in the future of L’Evangile. By 1900, Chateau L’Evangile was widely considered the third best wine in all of Pomerol, behind only Chateau Petrus and Vieux Chateau Certan. This was a mighty accomplishment for Chaperon. After the death of Jean-Paul Chaperon in 1903, his family continued to manage the property until the Ducasse family began running the estate in the 1940’s. Like many Pomerol estates, the vineyard was dealt a devastating blow after the 1956 frost. New vines were planted and amazingly, L’Evangile produced successful vintages in 1959 and 1961 from very young vines. Simone Ducasse, who took on the responsibility of managing the Right Bank estate would eventually sell a 70% stake of the property to the owner of the famous First Growth, Pauillac estate Chateau Lafite Rothschild. During that time, 30% shareholder Madame Ducasse was not a fan of using new, oak barrels due to the expense, as she did not want to spend the money. Humorously, the owners of Lafite began sneaking new barrels into the cellars late at night. Madame Ducasse would notice the new barrels but when no bill was produced, she would smile but act as if nothing had ever happened. The remaining shares of L’Evangile were eventually purchased in 1999, giving the Rothschilds 100% control of the estate. After the purchase, large amounts of money were invested in improving the vineyards, wine-making facilities and the chateau itself. The redesigned cellar is very much similar to that of Lafite Rothschild; dug deep and allowing for everything to be moved by gravity. An extensive replanting program was implemented and continued until 2018. Great efforts went into making sure L’Evangile was a top tier Pomerol producer. The 22-hectare vineyard has a wonderful terroir of clay, gravel and sand with iron oxide soil. There are parcels near the peak of the Pomerol plateau and very near Petrus. This is the location where there is the very import blue clay and one of the major contributing factors to the success of Chateau Petrus. At the vineyard edges, closer to Saint Emilion and Cheval Blanc, the terroir is comprised of gravel and sand, for which the vines planted are used to source their second wine. The vineyard is planted to 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, which are vines that are on average 30 years of age. The 22 hectares are able to supply L’Evangile with an annual production of 2,000 to 3,000 cases, depending on the vintage. The second wine, which debuted in 1989, is named Blason de L’Evangile. Chateau L’Evangile is recognized as one of the best producers in Pomerol and though it has had a long history of success, the modern era beginning in the tremendous 2005 vintage has strung together a slew of already legendary vintages. |
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