TWI
98pts
The Wine Independent
96-98 The 2022 L'Evangile is composed of 82% Merlot, 17.5% Cabernet Franc, and 0.5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a lot of swirling to coax out notes of juicy black plums, boysenberry preserves, and black raspberries, followed by hints of garrigue, clove oil, lilacs, and licorice. The full-bodied palate is chock full of rich, multi-layered black fruits with velvety tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and minerally.
95-97 Given the young average age of this estate's vineyards, its well-draining soils and the extreme vintage, I was a little apprehensive; but the technical team evidently took the conditions in their stride, harvesting the east-facing side of the vines (which sees the hottest afternoon sun) four days earlier. The resulting 2022 L'Evangile is beautiful, offering up aromas of raspberries, vine smoke, black truffles, violets and gravely soil. Medium to full-bodied, supple and velvety, it's seamless and polished, with a bright core of fruit and powdery tannins that temper 2022's inherent sweetness of fruit to sophisticated effect. At this early stage, it appears that the estate's progress with regards to élevage continues too, as Evangile's creamy oak signature is much released, allowing the fruit—and this superb terroir—to take center stage. It's a blend of 82% Merlot, 17.5% Cabernet Franc and 0.5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
A classic Evangile from a hot and great vintage with black olives, cedar and brambleberries. Medium-bodied, it has balance and refinement, a solid core of fruit and a sophisticated and polished mouthfeel. The finish is very long, increasing with precision. A graceful and age-worthy wine. Best after 2029.
A seductive and sculpted wine, leaning into the vintage’s glamour and richness. The nose is deep and heady, filled with violets, dark chocolate, blackcurrants, and espresso. The palate is glossy and rich, with a juicy, shiny black fruit core, balanced by fine, slightly bloody tannins. There’s an undercurrent of freshness, with a minty lift and a touch of creaminess that enhances the plush texture. Toasted wood notes still need time to integrate, but this is smooth, seductive, and beautifully structured. A wine of depth, polish, and lasting finesse. Ageing 45% new oak, 10% foudre, 15% amphora. 3.88pH.
The Grand Vin 2022 Château L'Evangile is more serious and concentrated, with beautiful red and black fruits interwoven with truffly earth, tobacco, and savory, floral, spicy nuances on the nose. These carry to a medium to full-bodied, voluptuous, round, sexy L'Evangile that has soft, supple tannins, beautiful overall balance, and a mix of both richness and elegance. It's not massive and is already hard to resist, yet it should have 30 years of longevity.
The 2022 L'Evangile has a fresh and lively bouquet, an underlying marine influence, a little brine that tinctures the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. Very fresh and sapid, intense yet vibrant, this lingers wonderfully on the finish. Very classy, but it is standoffish at the moment. N.B. Two bottles tasted as the first was oxidised. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.
Winery Notes
Dark, almost black colour, with hints of purple. Dense, powerful, expressive, very ripe, concentrated nose with notes of Morello cherries, raspberries and toast. The attack is full, generous and dense with very silky tannins and great depth. The palate is long, rich and concentrated with a very creamy finish, remaining supple due to a delightful freshness.