Château L’EVANGILE 2019

Description

Jane Anson 99 points  www.decanter.com (at Bordeaux, 25 May 2020)
From the very first moment your nose approaches the glass you know something special is happening. Seductive, rich, mouth-filling to the point that you really understand what that means. Just pops out of your mouth, with evident density of luscious blackberry and brambled raspberry fruit but also vertical climb through the palate. Violet notes marry with baked earth, grilled liquorice, tension and seduction. Highest level of Cabernet Franc in the blend in recent history, and first time that they have used all of the Cabernet Franc available in the vineyard – also first time to have this touch of Cabernet Sauvignon since the Rothschilds arrived at the property. Have I tasted a better l’Evangile? Certainly not at this stage, and one of the very few wines in 2019 that I can say without question approaches a perfect score. I don’t give 100s at En Primeur but this is off the scale delicious, and I already can’t wait to taste it in bottle. 98-100. Drinking Window 2027 – 2050

Lisa Perrotti-Brown 96-98 points www.robertparker.com
The 2019 L’Evangile is composed of 83.5% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc and 0.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested from the 13th of September to the 3rd of October. The alcohol comes in at 14.6%. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose hits the ground running with opulent scents of ripe black cherries, dried mulberries, baked plums and warm blueberries plus hints of candied violets, licorice, molten chocolate and wild sage with just a drop of hoisin. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is wonderfully concentrated with seductive layers of exotic spice-laced black fruit preserves and a velvety texture, finishing long and with just enough freshness. Tantalizingly moreish!

“In Pauillac, we will discuss whether 2018 or 2019 is better. In Pomerol, I think 2019 is better,” Lafite Rothchild technical director Eric Kohler told me. “All the Cabernet Franc was very good this year. It all went into the grand vin. For the first time at L’Evangile, we have a little Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. It is not much, but the two barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon we have are spectacular. I would love to have 5% to 10% in the blend in the future. Now, it is just a trial. It was planted in 2015, but even after five years, the result is incredible! We are confident there is an important place for Cabernet Sauvignon in L’Evangile in the future. The Cabernet Sauvignon is more regular than the Cabernet Franc in its results. Cabernet Franc is very interesting, but in terms of viticulture, it is very sensitive.”

Yves Beck 97-98 points www.yvesbeck.wine
83.5% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, 0.5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Rouge grenat dense aux légers reflets violets. Beaucoup de finesse dans le bouquet d’Evangile qui se profile avec délicatesse au travers de notes de mûres et un peu de menthe. La finesse est également le marqueur du palais. Les tannins sont veloutés, parfaitement intégrés et confèrent une touche suave tout en assurant idéalement les arrières. La fraîcheur et le fruit forment un excellent team et marquent la finale avec persistance et délicatesse. Un vin que l’on pourra certainement déjà approcher dans sa jeunesse mais qui a un grand potentiel de garde.  2024-2044

Jean-Marc Quarin 95 points  www.quarin.com
Belle couleur sombre, aux reflets noirs. Nez très aromatique, au fruité mûr et même très mûr. Moelleux à l’attaque, juteux en milieu de bouche, très savoureux, le vin caresse le palais, séducteur, parfumé, avant de s’achever sur une bonne longueur, aux arômes de fruits noirs. Assemblage : 83,5 % merlot, 0,5 % cabernet sauvignon, 16 % cabernet franc. Degré d’alcool : 15° – pH : 3,79. Rendement : 37 hl/ha. IPT : 76.