CHÂTEAU L'ÉVANGILE

Density combined with elegance, this has the intensity and spice of the vintage, with an emphasis on tight black fruits, a clear reflection of the phenolic concentration of the year, slow and steady tannic construction that brings in graphite. Unusually for L'Evangile this feels almost Left Bank in character, with its 28hl/h yield (compared to 33hl/h in 2020 but with almost 20% more berries this yeer, but they were such small sizes). 3.8ph 2nd year of organic certification. Drinking range: 2030 - 2048 Rating: 95 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (Apr 2023)

82% Merlot, 17.5% Cabernet Franc, 0.5% Cabernet Sauvignon. 50% new oak and also 15% amphora. 14.2% alc. Harvest was 29 August – 14 September It was a pleasure to taste at L’Evangile with Saskia de Rothschild and winemaker Juliette Couderc, and it is clear that both of the Evangile wines are first-class in 2022. There is an overriding sense of calmness and control, and while this Grand Vin is as measured and refined as I have seen at this stage of its evolution, it does not mean it is closed or uncommunicative. However, I had to keep my wits about me because it only started conversing towards the end of my half-hour visit. Finely detailed and initially strict, there are fascinating layers of fruit here that one must navigate to uncover the tenderness and uniqueness of the Evangile character beneath. In this vintage, the tannins are more active, populating the entire flavour experience from start to finish. It is possible to swirl and coax out the fine details on the palate, and when you do, you will find exquisite cherry, cranberry and rhubarb highlights under the dark fruit exterior. With much smaller berries harvested in 2022, the concentration of the fruit flavours is more pronounced and yet the full array of Evangile nuance is there, and you have to work through the darker tones to find the full peacock’s tail of red notes buried within. The tannins will arm this wine for the long run, and I don’t doubt it is set to be a superstar. Rating: 19.5+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2023)

L'Evangile is fresh and crisp from start to finish in an almost airy style for such a solar vintage. This is a good example of the way in which the Pomerol plateau has taken this vintage's extremes in its stride. Lively yet concentrated and generous, it shows a slightly reserved form of elegance with a satin-like texture to the palate. The fruit flavours emerge gradually, becoming more and more exotic, sensual and, finally, radiant. One should not forget the finesse of its tannins either. All of this bodes for the best as to the way the style of L'Evangile is evolving. Rating: 96-98 La Revue du Vin de France (May 2023)