2012 L'Evangile
By Chateau L'Evangile
2012 L'Evangile from Chateau L'Evangile, Pomerol, Bordeaux
Nestled in the revered Pomerol appellation of Bordeaux, the 2012 L'Evangile from Chateau L'Evangile emerges as a quintessential expression of this formidable terroir. With four decades spent in devotion to the intricate ballet of vines and climate, I found the 2012 vintage to be distinctively compelling, a testament to the grace with which Pomerol translates challenging vintages into wines of deep allure.
A Testament to Resilience
The 2012 vintage in Pomerol was not without its trials; mercurial climatic conditions called for meticulous nurturing by the vignerons. Yet, the resilient nature of the vines at Chateau L'Evangile bore fruit that yielded a wine of exemplary poise. This particular vintage encapsulates the adept craftsmanship that transforms adversity into elegance within each bottle—a crucial factor in its potential as an exquisite wine investment.
An Evocative Embodiment of Terroir
In my recent tasting, the 2012 L'Evangile unfurled with an aromatic complexity belying the challenging vintage. Beneath its deep ruby mantle lies a rich tapestry of blackberry and plum notes, interlaced with sojourns of truffle and an earthy minerality. The palate confirms this narrative—savory undertones and well-integrated tannins dance amidst a full-bodied decadence, culminating in a lengthy finish redolent of vanilla-spiced dark fruits.
Experience bears witness that remarkable vintages such as this are often marked by their capacity to transcend expectations. As you contemplate incorporating this Pomerol masterpiece into your portfolio, consider not only its luxurious palette but also its symbol of viticultural triumph over nature's fickleness.
Cultivating Excellence for Future Enjoyment and Asset Growth
The eloquent harmony expressed in the 2012 L'Evangile is undeniably one for connoisseurs and investors alike. As this wine continues to evolve within cellars, it holds promise as an asset that appreciates both in depth and value. Reflecting on my experience with this vintage from Chateau L'Evangile, it is yet another exemplar from Pomerol that will grace both palate and portfolio for years to come.
Market price (CAD)
$2,120.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
84.67
Scores and tasting notes
A wine with plenty of deep fruit, spices and hazelnut character. Lovely fruit. Full-bodied, with lovely silky tannins and a long, long finish. So much going on here. Elegance with strength and structure. 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 4th 2013
In 2012 there is only a small quantity of Blason de L’Evangile. Flowering meant there was only 31hl/ha and 73% of the crop went into the Grand Vin. The Merlot was picked between 20th September and 9th October and the Cabernet Franc from 6th to the 8th October, between which on only eight days did pickers go out with their secateurs. Of the parcels originating from their purchase of La Croix de Gay, three hectares was blended into Blason whilst one hectare situated between Lafleur and Providence was good enough for the Grand Vin. A blend of 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc, almost identical to the previous vintage and delivering a relatively high 14.4% alcohol, it has a finely tuned, forest floor-scented bouquet with crisp red berry fruit – quite conservative but showing impressive delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with a tense, saline entry. This is a typical masculine L’Evangile – broody and introspective at the moment. There are clearly sweet tannins at the core of this Pomerol legend but it will demand several years in bottle to come round. Tasted April 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013
This dark ruby/plum Pomerol offers up sweet black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, velvety tannin, medium to full body, and a nice lushness and silkiness. A beauty with great fragrance and suppleness, it’s not enormously endowed, as a great vintage would be, but it is certainly an outstanding wine and a brilliant effort from ’Evangile in 2012. Drink it over the next 15 years.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2015
The 2012 is an outstanding effort displaying copious quantities of black raspberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with hints of camphor, black truffles and subtle new oak. Opulent, round and generously endowed with impressive purity as well as a forward style, it should drink well young yet age for 12-15 years. Administrator Pascal Vazart told me the rain that occurred at the end of September broke the hydric stress and drought-like conditions that had existed in this vineyard since mid-July. During that period, there was no rain, but lots of sunshine, which was beginning to cause serious issues with vineyards planted on sand and gravelly soils. The fruit for the 2012 l'Evangile was harvested between September 20 and October 9. It is composed of 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc that achieved a lofty 14.3% alcohol level. The finished pH is 3.7, which no doubt accounts for the wine's smooth, velvety personality. No one will confuse the 2012 with their 2009 or 2010.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #206