At A Glance
- Field
- Detail
- Region
- Bordeaux
- Appellation
- Pomerol
- Main grapes
- Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and a small Cabernet Sauvignon parcel
- Farming
- Organic farming methods
- Main wine
- Château L'Évangile
- Second wine
- Blason de L'Évangile
The Producer
Château L'Évangile covers 22 hectares in Pomerol. Merlot accounts for 80% of the vineyard and Cabernet Franc for 20%, with a small Cabernet Sauvignon parcel. Since 2020, Juliette Couderc has managed the estate for Domaines Barons de Lafite Rothschild.
The estate was the first of that group's properties to adopt organic farming methods. Its primary wine is made for long cellar ageing, with good vintages requiring at least 10 to 15 years before revealing their full character.
Place
The estate's wines carry the Pomerol appellation, a Bordeaux appellation on the Right Bank. Pomerol reds are commonly based on Merlot, which supplies body, while Cabernet Franc can bring perfume and firmer tannin. The appellation places Château L'Évangile within that Merlot led style of Bordeaux.
Story
At the turn of the 19th century, a lawyer named Isambert acquired the property and gave it its present name, Château L'Évangile. In Bordeaux, a château name can identify both the estate and its principal wine, so Isambert's decision appears on the label as well as in the property name. Château L'Évangile remains the primary wine, while Blason de L'Évangile is the second wine. The name now spans both bottles in the range.
Wines
Château L'Évangile is the primary wine. Blason de L'Évangile is the second wine and receives shorter barrel ageing. The estate also uses foudres, amphorae, and concrete vats among its ageing vessels, adapting the choice of vessel to the character of each vintage.
In The Glass
Château L'Évangile is full bodied and aromatic, with a broad bouquet, a forceful palate, and a fine finish. The 2013 vintage is textured and layered, showing vivid fruit with new oak well integrated into the wine. Its style is muscular, with sophistication that is unusual for the vintage.
Final Word
Château L'Évangile requires at least 10 to 15 years in good vintages, while Blason de L'Évangile is best enjoyed young.