Château L'Evangile, Pomerol, 2022

The second vintage certified organic, this is a blend of 80% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the élevage was in 15% Tava amphorae, 50% new oak barrels and the remainder in used oak. Unusually the colour here already looks a little advanced, on both samples. Nevertheless it feels dark and pure on the nose, saline bramble fruits with dark chocolate and blackcurrant, with threads of liquorice, cedar and toast. A very complete start to the palate, dark and seamless, highly polished, with a supple and elegantly formed midpalate supporting layers of dark and concentrated fruits, tinged with toast and coffee bean, underpinned by a confident and chalky tannic grip which sits comfortably within the wine but which does makes its presence felt. Lots of rich grip and those warm, peppery tannins in the finish;a little more finesse in the tannic structure and perhaps more freshness in colour and fruit would elevate this to an even higher score, nevertheless this is a good result for L’Évangile. The alcohol on the label is 14.5%.

DRINKING WINDOW 2030 - 2065

date of review 06/2025

Beautiful depth of flavour through the palate, nuanced blackberry and damson fruits, orange peel, saffron, crayon, cassis, great quality, with flesh through the mid palate, coupled with lift on the finish, impressive. Harvest August 29 to September 14, in organic conversion, Juliette Couderc winemaker, Saskia de Rothschild owner. 28hl/h yield.

DRINKING WINDOW 2030 - 2048

date of review 03/2025

The 2022 L'Évangile, aged in 50% new oak, 10% in <em>foudres</em> and the rest in amphora, was bottled in May 2024. It has a well-defined bouquet that blossoms in the glass with black cherries, marmalade, orange rind and light mineral aromas. This is very controlled and focused. Pure in style, the palate is medium-bodied with finely chiseled tannins and a saline note on the middle and finish. It is not as powerful as you might presuppose, yet it feels long and tender—a classically styled Pomerol. This is excellent.

DRINKING WINDOW 2030 - 2070

date of review 02/2025