2009 L'Evangile
By Chateau L'Evangile
2009 L'Evangile from Chateau L'Evangile, Pomerol, Bordeaux
In the pantheon of Bordeaux's stellar vintages, the 2009 L'Evangile stands as a testament to the transcendental heights that can be achieved in a year that speaks of plentiful sunshine and precise winemaking. What we find here is the heart of Pomerol expressed with both opulence and discerning precision—a rare occurrence even among its esteemed peers.
The Quintessential Canvas of 2009
Wine investment savants will no doubt be aware of the acclaim that followed the 2009 Bordeaux vintage, a season blessed by Helios with an ample warmth that dared to push ripeness to its zenith without a whisper of overexertion. It is within this climatic masterpiece that Chateau L'Evangile unfurled its expertise to craft a vintage resonant with lustrous fruit yet anchored firmly in terroir-driven veracity.
A Vintage Speaking with Elegance and Might
Favorably positioned on Pomerol's hallowed clay soils, the 2009 L'Evangile articulates this harmony with a devout confidence. The nose offers a divine liturgy of blackberry coulis, tilled earth, and subtle truffle—an ode to the area's storied elegance. The palate follows with an ensemble of dark fruits, framed by impeccably integrated tannins—vestiges of fine oak ageing—and a finish that is both persistent and whispered in tones of cocoa and spice.
With a decade plus enveloping its shoulders since harvest, one engagingly partakes in the pleasurable unfurling of layers; an important attribute for collectors and investors seeking wines with the backbone to evolve gracefully. More so, it offers sensory delight for those selecting strategic bottles to uncork at moments requiring vinous profundity.
Forging Worth Beyond Its Age
The 2009 L'Evangile from Chateau L'Evangile encapsulates an extraordinary year for Bordeaux—a beacon for wine connoisseurs and an astute addition for long-term investors. It bears the hallmark depth and complexity of world-class Pomerol whilst communicating the individuality brought forth by 2009's resplendent conditions. It remains one of the smartest acquisitions from this notable estate, gifting both immediate pleasure and thrilling potential for future revelation.
Market price (SGD)
$5,960.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
178.5
Scores and tasting notes
An astonishing effort from the Rothschild family, the 2009 l’Evangile may be the reference point offering from this estate for decades to come. A blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc aged in 100% new oak, with 15% natural alcohol, it exhibits a sumptuous bouquet of caramels, black raspberry liqueur, blackberries, violets, graphite and truffles. Thick, viscous flavors are reminiscent of such super-ripe vintages as 1982, 1959, 1949 and 1947. The striking aromatics, massive, full-bodied mouthfeel and multilayered palate that resembles a skyscraper in the mouth offer an abject lesson in great winemaking, extraordinary terroir, and the ability to combine power with precision, elegance and freshness. This is unquestionably a huge wine, but it also possesses mindboggling complexity and finesse. Because of its sheer extract and velvety personality, it will be drinkable in 4-5 years, and will keep for four decades or more where well-stored. The most profound L’Evangile ever made?
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 22 December 2011
A wine that impresses you, with its subtlety and strength. Every molecule of the tannins and fruit seems to be almost perfectly in line. Enticing dark fruits and milk chocolate. The delicate, yet intense flavors go on for minutes. My palate is so caressed. Such class here. Might end up being better than the perfect 2005. Try after 2020.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, February 14th 2012
Served blind at the Southwold 2009 tasting. The L’Evangile is perhaps entering a broody patch, but it will ultimately become a brilliant Pomerol. It has a charming, gingerbread tinged bouquet with lively red berry fruit and Provencal herbs. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity. It is more Merlot driven, though there is a fine tannic backbone and a line of graphite through the finish. All the constituent parts are in place and expect that score to rise in the future. Tasted January 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2013