Evangile 2018

Pomerol

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Tasting Notes

The 2018 L’Evangile is the vintage when Cabernet Franc (20%) returned to the blend after mildew reduced the percentage of Merlot. It has an almost identical bouquet to the one that I encountered from barrel, that attractive mélange of black fruit, briar and a lovely marine/oyster shell scent now accentuated in bottle. As I mentioned in my previous note, the Cabernet Franc shapes the aromatics. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, the 70% new oak still quite vocal and, to my mind, dictating the finish, rather than L’Evangile’s exceptional terroir. There is a slight concluding bitterness that nags away on the very briny aftertaste. With aging I am certain this Pomerol will improve, but it just misses the charm of other vintages at the moment.

Score: 92 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2025 - 2040 Date: 21 August 2021

The 2018 L’Evangile sees the return of Cabernet Franc, this year the Merlot suffering mildew earlier in the season after seven days of rain fell just after flowering. "It was the first real vintage under organic/biodynamic viticulture," commented Jean-Pascal Vazart. "But the 2019 was easier." It has a vigorous and intense bouquet, black fruit mixed with black truffle and light marine aromas, the Cabernet Franc very expressive. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, supple but firm tannins that provide backbone to this Pomerol. The 70% new oak is nicely integrated on the entry, though I feel at the moment it is quite vocal on the finish. This should be subsumed by the time of bottling, though it will require several years of ageing.

Score: 92 - 94 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2022-2040 Date: 01 November 2019

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.

Score: 97 Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com Maturity: 2021 - 2051 Date: 19 July 2021

The grand vin 2018 Château l'Evangile turns the intensity up substantially, offering a beautiful bouquet of blue fruits, violets, classy oak, spring flowers, and graphite. Rich, concentrated, and elegant on the palate, it has more Cabernet Franc than normal (20%) and this shows dramatically, with the wine staying more focused, straight, and fresh compared to the more massive and opulently styled 2015 and 2016. This is a regal, elegant yet still full-bodied l’Evangile that’s going to benefit from 5-7 years of bottle age and keep for 25 years or more.

Score: 96 - 98 Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com Date: 01 May 2019

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.

Score: 97 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2025 - 2045 Date: 15 July 2021

The 2018 L'Evangile is composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. The Merlot was harvested September 19 to October 2, and the Cabernet Franc was harvested September 25 to October 1. This is the optimal blend—with more Cabernet Franc coming through this year, since it was amazing. Deep garnet-purple colored, it slips seductively out of the glass with glamorous notes of baked black cherries, warm blueberries and raspberry tart plus wafts of kirsch, red roses, rose hip tea, espresso, licorice and sandalwood. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and delivering opulent black fruit layers, the palate has a firm frame of lovely, ripe, rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant. Beautiful.

Score: 97 - 99 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 23 April 2019

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.

Score: 97 Jane Anson, Decanter.com Maturity: 2027-2044 Date: 15 April 2019

A very plush and exciting L’Evangile with polished, velvety tannins that set this up to be a classic. It’s full-bodied with glorious fruit and a great center palate that has fantastic depth. It’s so caressing and beautiful. So much here.

Score: 98 - 99 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 11 April 2019

The 2018 L'Évangile is shaping up to be exceptional. Rich and sumptuous in the glass, the 2018 exudes richness in all of its dimensions. Opulent and dense in the glass, with soft curves and silky, polished tannins, the 2018 is hugely promising. All the elements just fall into place. Dark raspberry jam, cloves, menthol and new leather are some of the many notes that build in a sumptuous, racy Évangile loaded with class and personality. I can't wait to taste it from bottle.

Score: 94 - 97 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Date: 01 April 2019