2018 L'Evangile

98 JS

Qty:

From the critics:

97 RP

97+ JD

97 DEC

96 AG

94 WS

Featured Review

So attractive on the nose with blackberry, black olive and a hint of brown sugar. It’s full-bodied with layers of ripe tannins that flow across the palate. Rich, intense and flavorful finish with flavors similar to the aromas. Fleshy and toned at the end. From organically grown grapes. Try after 2025. James Suckling

James Suckling | 98 JS

The 2018 L’Evangile is composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it comes barreling out of the glass with explosive scents of boysenberries, stewed plums and baked blackberries with hints of lilacs, candied violets, Indian spices and garrigue, plus a touch of black truffles. Full-bodied, rich and powerful in the mouth, this blockbuster coats the palate with layers of black fruit preserves and exotic spices, framed by plush tannins and wonderful energy, finishing long and savory. Decadently approachable now, give it 4-5 years in bottle for maximum impact and drink it over the next 20+ years.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 97 RP

Made in the more lively, elegant style that seems to be favored these days, the 2018 Château L’Evangile is based on 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, with the Cabernet Franc playing a much more lead role than normal. Beautiful blue fruits, green tobacco, violets, white truffle, camphor, and damp earth notes all flow to a gorgeously layered, full-bodied Pomerol with sweet, silky tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. While I prefer the more opulent renditions of this cuvée, this is nevertheless a brilliant wine that has wonderful concentration, beautiful purity of fruit, and the class to evolve for 25-30 years in cold cellars.

Jeb Dunnuck | 97+ JD

(Château L’Évangile, Pomerol, Red) You feel the density and power straight off the nose here - this is really silky, sexy and smoky wine with a ton of complex flavours combining berry fruits with spices swirling through, and finishing up with liquorice bean and coffee grounds on the finish. There’s less lift perhaps than the 2016, but you feel the concentration, the depth to the flavour, and the balance. It has a beautiful texture and feels very classically Pomerol but with elegance and persistency. A small production in 2018 but a very beautiful one. 75% new oak used. (Drink between 2027-2044)

Decanter | 97 DEC

The 2018 L’Évangile is flamboyant, spectacularly beautiful. Mildew in June took out fully 50% of the potential crop, resulting in a dense, opulent wine that is going to need many years to shed some of that baby fat. The 20% Cabernet Franc is the highest on record. The 2018 is an epic, modern-day Évangile. Raspberry jam, mocha, licorice, spice and chocolate come together as the 2018 blossoms with time in the glass. Made with 80% new oak. Both hedonistic and intellectual, the 2018 is a total pleasure bomb. Don’t miss it. A real wow wine - huge!

Antonio Galloni | 96 AG

Dark and winey, with a burly tobacco edge framing a core of steeped black currant, blackberry and fig paste flavors. Strong tug of warm earth through the finish, where bay, leather and chestnut notes also chime in. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2026 through 2036.

Wine Spectator | 94 WS

Owned by the Rothschild family of Lafite-Rothschild, this estate has produced a richly delicious wine. The power of Merlot is tempered and perfumed by ripe Cabernet Franc. Tannins and acidity both point to aging potential. The wine’s weight, cut with black fruits, is just right and well in balance. This wine needs time, so drink from 2027.

Wine Enthusiast | 94 WE

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
Varietal	Proprietary Blend : Proprietary Blend is a general term used to indicate that a wine is comprised of multiple grape varietals which are either “proprietary” to the winery or is blended and does not meet the required maximum or minimum percentage of a particular varietal. This also is the case for the grape’s place of origin, especially for region, appellation or vineyard designated wines. There are endless examples of blended wines which are labeled as “Proprietary Blend” and in conjunction with each region’s stipulated wine laws and regulations makes for a vast blanket for wines to fall into. Perhaps the simplest example is California; if a wine is to be labeled as Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, it is required to have at least 75% of the varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon) and 85% of the fruit must be cultivated from the Napa Valley wine district. If the wine does not meet the requirements, it is then labeled as Proprietary 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.
Region	Bordeaux : Even among the greatest and most reputable wine regions on the planet, Bordeaux stands above the rest. The winemakers of this region have a single-minded dedication to the fine art of viticulture and their efforts never fail to show. If you consider yourself a fine wine enthusiast, you owe it to yourself to visit Bordeaux - life changing. Whether you wish to drink some inspirational and gripping wine as soon as possible, or you want to add some masterpieces to your collection, no region on Earth is a more obvious choice. The noble and beautiful Garonne and Dordogne rivers surge through southwestern France, enriching the soil in a way very few other places can boast. The limestone-based earth is rich in calcium, and the almost oceanic climate conditions give the staple Bordeaux grape varietals vigor and flavor like nowhere else. For their illustrious reds, Bordeaux winemakers rely on a proven combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Meanwhile, a sip of their excellent white wine hints at the use of Semillon, Muscadelle and Sauvignon Blanc.Each of these varietals carries a unique identity, making every quality wine a character piece to rival Citizen Kane. It can be incredibly hard to choose only a few wines to collect for your cellar!
Subregion	Right Bank
Appellation	Pomerol

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.