2017 L'Evangile
By Chateau L'Evangile
2017 L'Evangile from Chateau L'Evangile, Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
The 2017 vintage from the storied soil of Pomerol stands out as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Chateau L'Evangile's viticultural practice. Amidst challenges that the year presented, there emerges a variety by this lauded estate which boldly showcases the intricacies of its terroir and the deft craftsmanship at play.
An Exemplary Display of Mastery over Nature
The year 2017 will be etched in viticultural annals as one fraught with frost, causing vignerons across Bordeaux to grapple with nature's whims. However, L'Evangile's low-lying estate near the eastern boundary of Pomerol was spared the worst, allowing for an expression that is both refined and reflective of the year's climatic narrative. In essence, this 2017 L'Evangile bespeaks a diligent triumph over adversity.
Investing in Liquid Artistry
On the investment front, collectors understand that each bottle of 2017 L'Evangile from Chateau L'Evangile encapsulates not just quality liquid but also the storied pedigree of an established Bordeaux producer. Its standing as a meritorious addition to any investor’s portfolio is buoyed by its potential for graceful maturation and the nuanced complexity that comes with time.
Demonstrating a formidable structure complemented by velvety tannins, this vintage unfurls with layers of dark fruit couched in toasted tones owing to judicious oak aging. The inclusion of a higher percentage of Merlot amplifies its plushness, allowing for an earlier approachability while not forsaking age-worthy rigour.
Thus, in this challenging year, 2017 L'Evangile from Chateau L'Evangile transcends expectations with persistence stitching through every aspect of its vinous fabric - a collectible vintage marked by regal poise and an elegant defiance.
A Vintage Defining Grace Under Pressure
In sum, the 2017 L'Evangile from Chateau L'Evangile garners my acclaim as a remarkable bottle reflecting both the nuances of its terroir and its vintage's particular narrative. For oenophiles and investors alike, it represents a poignant chapter in Bordeaux's rich tapestry; one that is bound to resonate well into future tastings and market performances alike.
Market price (GBP)
£1,410.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
88.13
Scores and tasting notes
The 2017 L'Évangile is a stunning wine. Frost wiped out half of the potential crop, including all of the Cabernet Franc, which means the Grand Vin is 100% Merlot. Rich, sumptuous and explosive, the 2017 possesses remarkable depth and stunning intensity in all of its dimensions. The purity, energy and textural resonance of the fruit is ravishing. The 2017 saw five days of cold soak followed by 30 days on the skins. Technical Director Jean Pascal Vazart opted for gentle pumpovers and longer extractions than normal. Malolactic fermentation was done in 100% new oak, where the wine is presently aging. A massive, concentrated wine, L'Évangile is going to need a number of years to be at its very best, but it is magnificent, even in the early going. In a word: dazzling!
Antonio Galloni - Antonio Galloni - vinous.com - May '18
Very fine and velvety tannins in the mouth with juicy fruit that gives dark-berry, chocolate and spice character. Medium to full body. Bright acidity. Harmonious and very pretty. Pure merlot. Reminds me of the 2012, but shows a little more ripeness and suppleness.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
All of the Cabernet Franc was frosted in 2017, so L'Evangile is composed of 100% Merlot for the first time. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 L'Evangile is a little closed to begin, offering glimpses at blueberry preserves, baked plums and black raspberries scents before revealing nuances of spice cake, cinnamon stick, dusty soil and garrigue plus a waft of incense. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a lot of richness and depth, with firm, ripe, rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and spicy.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 16 March 2020
The 2017 L'Evangile is deep garnet-purple in color, featuring a profoundly scented nose of plum preserves, smoked meats, chargrill and cigar box with touches of licorice, tapenade, tar and truffles plus an earthy waft of underbrush. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a lovely purity of black and blue fruits, accented with baking spice notions and framed by plush tannins that offer just the right amount of provocative grip, finishing long and earthy.
Wine Advocate - Lisa Perrotti-Brown - robertparker.com
The 2017 L’Evangile is picked from 4 September to 3 October. There is no Cabernet Franc since it was frosted over (50% of the vineyard) and so Jean-Pierre Vazart said it is missing some of its power. He marked all the vines with different colors to indicate those affected so that none of the second-generation fruit was used for the Grand Vin. Yields came in at 20hl/ha and it is matured in 100% new oak. It has a deep inky purple hue. The new wood comes over quite strongly as it often does, perhaps missing the Cabernet Franc component to support that level of wood? There are light floral scents: wilted iris and violet that spring up with aeration although I would still like to see more terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, mocha and dark chocolate on the entry with a fine bead of acidity. But I have a nagging question of whether a more prudent approach to the new oak might have engendered a more endearing L’Evangile, I was a bit disturbed by the level of wood tannin on the finish. I will be more than happy to upgrade my score if the tannin will be absorbed during élevage and with bottle age and I will be more than happy to upgrade my score.
Neal Martin - Neal Martin - vinous.com - May '18