Château L'Evangile, Pomerol, 2012
As we started our tasting at Evangile, our Chairman broke the news of Margaret Thatcher's death. As such it will probably always be remembered as the wine we were drinking when the Iron Lady died, although she may well have passed away while we were enjoying lunch with Pierre Lurton at Cheval Blanc, we will just never know. The news came as quite a shock to us all so apologies to Evangile if we didn't give the 2012 our full undivided attention. This estate has been on top form in recent years. Domaines Barons de Rothschild's investment and savoir faire has produced some spectacular wines. Fragrant, pretty, floral bouquet, good mulberry fruit and raspberry liqueur fruit on the palate, svelte, fresh, vibrant, with some pencil shaving notes on the finish. It's all very harmonious with perfect pitch and balance. Our second team (tasting on the w/c the 15th of April) rated this as one of the top performing wines from the illustrious Pomerol plateau. Produced from 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc harvested between the 20th of September and the 9th of October.
critic reviews
Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2012 L'Evangile features expressive scents of Chinese five spice, new leather, and tobacco over a core of stewed plums and boysenberry preserves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with mineral-laced fruits, supported by plush tannins and just enough freshness, finishing on a fragrant earth note.
The 2012 Château l'Evangile has a little more exoticism on the nose compared to the 2012 La Fleur de Gay that preceded it: dark chocolate and camphor scents, coalescing nicely with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and acidity, sour cherries mixed with white pepper and a gentle grip with hints of leather towards the finish. I feel this has personality and Pomerol DNA, though it flirts with being overly exotic. Tasted blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting.
This has velvety tannins that you can practically stroke in the glass. They remain firm, adding width and depth through the mid palate, beautifully muscular plum, blackberry and raspberry fruits. Will soften further over next five years but has life and character. 31hl/h yield.