Chateau l´Evangile 2021

JAMES SUCKLING: "Complex and subtle aromas of black cherries, chocolate and violets with hints of nutmeg and hazelnuts that open to a medium to full body, with fine and polished tannins that integrate nicely then grow beautifully at the end. 69% merlot, 30% cabernet franc and 1% cabernet sauvignon. Better to be patient and taste after 2027."

WEINWISSER: "Schwarzer Farbkern, viskos. Zunächst duftet der l‘Évangile verhalten und distinguiert, mit balsamischer Kopfnote und beeindruckend dunkelfruchtigem, schokoladigem Arrangement, tiefgründig und verführerisch. Superdicht und konzentriert auf der Zunge mit leicht rauen Gerbstoffen, die in der Jugend vielleicht von den 15 % Amphoren herrühren. Viel Saft am Gaumen, schwarze Frucht, Schokolade, Graphit und balsamische Noten. Ein ganz klassischer, sehr konzentrierter l‘Évangile. Derzeit noch etwas adstringent, wird das in 10 Jahren sehr fein und mit großem Terroir Charakter, sowie ausgezeichneter Konzentration und Frische begeistern. Dann wird vermutlich niemand mehr glauben, dass 2021 einmal als schwacher Jahrgang taxiert wurde!"

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Unfurling in the glass with aromas of dark cherries and berries mingled with notions of licorice, black truffle, rose petal and iris, the 2021 L'Evangile is medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, with a broad and textural attack that segues into a charming, succulent mid-palate framed by sweet, powdery tannins. This saw only two rackings, and some 15% matured in amphora, with the rest in barriques that are less toasty than in the past; the result of these and other initiatives is a much more timeless expression of this property."

DECANTER: "Smells concentrated and quite bold, more of a heady nose, dark fruits and gorgeous perfumed Cabernet aspects. Succulent and juicy, a really appealing and charming palate, juiciness but density too, you get plump fruit here rather than a piercing focus giving more of a mouthful than some others but still with a detail to the fine tannins, the ripe fruit, cherry and blackcurrant and plum with a long finish. Sustained on the palate, this doesn't let up, slowly building from start to finish giving a cool, delicate, refined palate but still with grippy maintaining attention. You can tell they got full ripeness here, but there's also this lovely cooling, slate aspect - the soft chalkiness that comes in on the finish. I like this - the initial intensity, directness of black fruit and then the chalk texture. Feels nicely complete and one of the larger, more dense wines this vintage. A yield of 20hl/ha with all the Cabernet Sauvignon going into the grand vin. Juliette Couderc technical director. First year certified organic."

JEB DUNNUCK: "A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc (which is more Cabernet Franc than usual), the 2021 Château L'Evangile is a beautiful effort that I'd put up with the crème de la crème of the vintage. Blue fruits, cassis, violets, tobacco, and subtle chocolaty oak all define the aromatics, and it has medium to full-bodied richness, a layered, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and just about flawless overall balance. Brought up mostly in barrel, with a splash in amphora, this beauty shines for its purity and elegance, and the higher Cabernet Franc component really shows with time in the glass."

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Florale Noten, Schwarze Johannisbeeren, eher Sauer- als Schwarzkirschen, Thymian, Waldheidelbeeren. Im Mund griffiges Tannin, betont cremig eingebunden, nur eine Prise von grünlichen Komponenten ist dabei. Alles ist mineralisch unterlegt, mit ein klein wenig merklich werdendem Alkohol, aber dennoch in Balance und elegant mit saftigem, feinnervigem Abgang."

LISA PERROTTI-BROWN: "A blend of 69% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, L’Evangile 2021 used less new oak this year, only 50%, with 15% of the wine aging in amphora. It has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and needs a little swirling to bring out notes of black cherries, juicy plums, and raspberry preserves, giving way to nuances of lavender, aniseed, and damp soil, with a touch of iron ore. The medium-bodied palate has a good intensity of vibrant black fruits, with rounded tannins and bags of freshness, finishing earthy."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "The move towards more elegance and finesse confirmed. Floral violet notes. Crunchy fruit and tannins that provide length and persistence. Lovely texture with freshness as well. Harmonious."