1999 L'Evangile
By Chateau L'Evangile
1999 L'Evangile from Chateau L'Evangile, Pomerol, Bordeaux
As a vintage, 1999 in Bordeaux was conspicuous for its challenging climate, marking the wines crafted in this particular year with intriguing idiosyncrasies. The 1999 L'Evangile from Chateau L'Evangile wears its vintage with a commendable aplomb, showcasing an unyielding character coaxed from the Pomerol terroir amidst variable conditions.
Investment and Intrigue: The Hallmarks of a Unique Vintage
Investors seeking out truly singular vintages will find the 1999 L'Evangile to be an asset evocative of resilience. This particular wine is an embodiment of the château's ability to transform temperamental weather into a testament of finesse and poise. For those delving into the nuances of their collection, the addition of such a captivating iteration to their portfolio promises not just diversity but also a narrative woven through the very vines of Pomerol.
Harvest Amidst Adversity: The Outcome
The season's endowment came in the form of timely sunshine after a damp August, which proved critical for the Merlot-led blend of L'Evangile. With a composition benefitting from the fortuitous late warm weather, this wine exhibits an arresting structure that deftly balances robust tannins with a supple texture — a harmony rarely struck in such challenging years.
The 1999 L'Evangile expresses notes reminiscent of dark cherries and ripe plums interlaced with subtle hints of truffle and moist earth. It is a testament to the vintner's art; a wine that dances on the palate with intricacy and delivers an elongated finish suggestive of its latent potential.
Flirting with maturity, this Pomerol presents an unmissable opportunity for connoisseurs focused on diversifying long-term investments. The 1999 vintage assures not only pleasure in each glass but also serves as a compelling subject for study against its siblings from more acclaimed years.
In summation, while not emanating from a year bannered by hyperbolic praise, the 1999 L'Evangile from Chateau L'Evangile deserves acknowledgement for its dignified representation of its origin. It stands as a patrician choice amidst Bordeaux offerings—a selection capable of enchanting the palate while underpinning a portfolio with substance and story.
Market price (GBP)
£1,460.00
12x75cl
Highest score
90
POP score
146
Scores and tasting notes
The 1999 L-Evangile has always been a difficult Pomerol to pin down. Here, a bottle tasted at Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, is better than previous encounters and more in line with encounters a decade ago. The nose is showing more ripeness and precocity with lifted raspberry and black plum notes infused by cedar and smoke. The palate is medium-bodied with a pleasing sweet, supple entry and crisp acidity. The merlot is very expressive and the tannins that appeared to go through an adolescent -gawky- stage have come through to maturity and underpin a rounded finish that does not have the complexity of a top vintage. It should offer pleasure over the next decade - a serviceable L-Evangile. Tasted November 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Mar 2013
The dark purple-colored 1999 L'Evangile is a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. It reveals an unexpected touch of herbaceousness, which cost it a point or two in the ultimate rating. Nevertheless, the striking, evolved, hedonistic perfume of melted licorice intermixed with black raspberries, minerals, and truffles is an intellectual turn-on. This is a beautiful, medium to full-bodied L'Evangile with a sweet attack and mid-palate. It may merit a higher score, depending on its evolution. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2015.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2002