Château L'Évangile· Pomerol
About the domain.
L'Évangile sits on some of the most enviable ground in Pomerol, a long ribbon of vineyard pressed between Pétrus and Cheval Blanc, with a foot in each of their worlds. The clay, gravel, crasse de fer and ancient sand here give a wine that borrows the flesh of one neighbour and the perfume of the other.
Since 1990 the estate has belonged to the Domaines Barons de Rothschild of Lafite, and their patience has shown. They have replanted, rebuilt the cellar, and held the wine to a standard that places it among the appellation's elite without ever chasing fashion. The result is Merlot of real layering, dark fruit, violets, truffle and iron over tannin polished to a sheen.
This is Pomerol that will run thirty years and more, and I cellar it for clients who think in those terms. It is, to my palate, one of the most complete wines the Rothschild stable produces anywhere.
Layered, complex.
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Dark fruit, violets, truffle, iron. The tannin is polished. Will age 30 years.
Opulent, broad.
A warm vintage. The wine is generous and dark. Plum, chocolate, spice. Already showing well but has decades ahead.