Château L'Evangile, Pomerol,

Evangile’s origins can be traced back to the 18th century when the estate was known as Fazilleau. It wasn’t until the turn of the 19th century that Monsieur Isambert purchased the domaine and renamed it Evangile. In 1862, Paul Caperon took ownership of the estate and it remained in his family until 1990 when Domaine Baron Rothschild bought a sizable stake. However, Simon Ducasse, the last of Paul Caperon’s descendants to manage Evangile, retained some shares and continued at the helm until 1999. Now the estate is under Domaine Baron Rothschild control and the current manager Mon. Jean Pascal Vazart has been responsible for some major renovations and improvements in wine making.

Evangile’s 14.8 hectares posses an exceptional terroir. Lying between Cheval Blanc and Petrus on an iron rich subsoil called cap de fer, the vineyards are planted with 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc. The average age of vines is approximately 30 years. Much of the vineyard was replanted by Simone’s father Louis after the devastating spring frosts of 1956.

The innovations and capital investment in the past decade has elevated Evangile to its rightful position as one of the superstars of the Pomerol commune and an estate to keep a close eye on in the future.

Fermentation takes place in concrete tanks with liberal pumping-over. The Grand Vin will spend 18 months in Barriques (70% new). The second label, Blason de l`Evangile is a similar blend, 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc (although the 2008 was 100% Merlot!), but ages in 2 year old barriques for 15 months.