Chateau L'Evangile - Pomerol 2013

Wine Spectator

92 / 100

the3/31/2016

Wine Advocate

88-89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe8/29/2014

The 2013 l'Evangile shows a slightly deeper color as well as more noticeable ripe raspberry and black cherry fruit intermixed with notions of licorice and incense. Again, there is no hint of herbaceousness or tannic astringency in this mid-weight, slightly superficial, but charming, pretty 2013. Consume it over the next 7-8 years.

This magnificent estate owned by the Rothschild family appears to be the number one challenger to the supremacy of Petrus, one of its neighbors. The owners have purchased 15 acres from La Croix de Gay, all on the high plateau of Pomerol. Consequently, l'Evangile now covers 55 acres and 37 different parcels. Obviously, 2013 was a challenge from the beginning, although the 2013 l-Evangile has turned out to be charming, fruity and easy-to-drink. The problem is the price of entry for a good rather than inspirational effort.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

88-91 / 100

byStephen Tanzerthe5/16/2014

(87% merlot and 13% cabernet franc):  Dark ruby.  Intense, pure blackcurrant, gunflint and violet aromas on the precise nose.  Then very pure and suave in the mouth, with clean, well-delineated flavors of small dark berries and minerals showing noteworthy persistence.  A major success for the year.

timatkin.com

92 / 100

byTim Atkin MWthe5/7/2014

Blending Merlot with 13% Cabernet Franc and using his customary 100% new oak, winemaker Jean-Pascal Vazart has produced a succulent, orange-peel scented Pomerol with good acidity and texture. I just wish he’d toned down the oak slightly.

matthewjukes.com

17,5 / 20

byMatthew Jukesthe4/23/2014

(87 Merlot, 13 Cabernet Franc) 27 hl/ha, 100% new oak (for the time being), 13% alcohol (a whole percentage point lower than the 2012). Gorgeous fruit from the off with lush, sexy, silky tannins and immense allure. There is lovely power here, too, considering the vintage and the lower than normal alcohol level. I adore this style of wine – impeccable balance, bright tannins and a seamless red fruit delivery. Apparently it was incredibly complicated to make, but the tannins were so fit because the harvested berries were so clean. This is a relatively forward wine and one which will be sure to amaze the drinker.

Vinous

92-94 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe4/18/2014

The 2013 L'Evangile is one of the more textured, layered wines of the year. Mocha, cloves, plums and black cherries meld together in a wine with considerable richness and vivid, expressive fruit. The 100% new French oak is impeccably integrated for a wine of this age. Raspberry jam, wild flowers and sweet spices linger on the close. This is a terrific showing, especially for the vintage. The 2013 is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, brought in from September 27 to early October.

Jancis Robinson

18 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe4/16/2014

Drink 2016-26
http://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/a201404153.html

Decanter.com

17,25 / 20

bySteven Spurrierthe4/15/2014

Good, deep colour. Elegant, fruit-driven nose. Accent very much on the fruit.  Balanced and firm with good tannic grip.

My Bettane + Desseauve

17,5-18 / 20

the4/15/2014

Grande couleur, arôme noble, complexe, bien défini, entre la violette, les épices et les fruits rouges, texture magnifique pour l’année, bonne assise tannique, une des grandes réussites du Libournais.

Wine Advocate

91-93 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/15/2014

The Grand Vin is a blend of 87% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc picked from 27 September and 5 October, at 13.03% alcohol (to be exact!) raised in 100% new oak. The bouquet is very pure and intense - there is patently some top quality Merlot here. The palate is medium-bodied with sinewy tannins matched by some of the most concentrated fruit you will find in this vintage. No, there is not the persistency or grip towards the finish of a great L’Evangile, but it has an intensity that will surprise you, plus I suspect that time in barrel will fill out the finish.

Jamessuckling.com

90-91 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/8/2014

This is very agreeable, with raspberry, light vanilla and chocolate character. Medium body with fresh acidity and a clean finish. Very delicious and fun. Delicate. 27 hectoliers per hectare, rather than the usual 35. 87% merlot and 13% cabernet franc; it shows a little more of the latter than normal.      

René Gabriel

17 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe4/4/2014

87 % Merlot, 13 % Cabernet Franc. Tiefes Purpur, satt in der Mitte, Granatschimmer am Rand. Nobles Bouquet, viel Brombeeren und Edelhölzer, eine Spur Hagebuttentee und Lakritze. Recht fülliger Gaumen, fleischiges Extrakt, feine Schwarzteebitternoten im Grundaroma zeigend, endet blaubeerig, mit mittlerem Druck.

Wine Spectator

90-93 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/3/2014

Offers a solid core of plum and boysenberry fruit, with lots of smoldering charcoal, bay and roasted alder notes. Shows impressive grip, balanced by the slightly angular acidity of the vintage. Should settle in nicely. An impressive effort. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.