2010 L'Evangile
By Chateau L'Evangile
2010 L'Evangile from Chateau L'Evangile, Pomerol, Bordeaux
Embarking on a tasting journey with the 2010 vintage from the esteemed Pomerol estate, Chateau L'Evangile, leaves one privy to a consummate expression of the region's quintessence. A year that shines brightly in the annals of Bordeaux, 2010 was lauded for its near-perfect climatic ballet, harmoniously merging ample sunshine with judicious rainfall, granting the grapevines the utmost nurturing from January to October.
Vintage Virtuosity: A Strategic Investment Vintage
The 2010 L'Evangile encapsulates this illustrious season, in a blend marked by exceptional balance, structure, and aging potential—traits keenly sought after by discerning investors of fine wines. The capable hands of Chateau L'Evangile have indeed sculpted a Pomerol masterpiece, which stands as an arresting investment grade wine for both collectors and enthusiasts.
A Tapestry of Taste
On the palate, one discovers a regal opulence; a texture akin to liquid velvet draping the tongue with incredible finesse. Blackcurrants and ripe plums pirouette around a core of the region's classic truffle notes, adorned by whispers of violet and an undercurrent of minerality suggestive of the deep gravel terraces upon which these distinguished vines thrive. Tannins, ample yet disarmingly polished, render this offering from Chateau L'Evangile not just approachable in its juvenile state but assure it a legacy that will gracefully unfurl across decades.
With ageability as one cornerstone and complexity another, this 2010 vintage holds its head high amongst peers, promising to age with the kind of grace that would please even the most critical Pomerol purists.
Connoisseur Conclusion
The discernible essence and inherent investment prowess of the 2010 L'Evangile command attention. This stellar year for Bordeaux—with conditions so aligned they seem celestial in their precision—has yielded a wine that speaks volumes of its prestigious terroir. It is a privilege to engage with such a creation from Chateau L'Evangile; an exemplar of Pomerol's viticultural virtuosity that straddles excellence in present pleasures and promises profound allure for future years.
Market price (USD)
$2,230.00
12x75cl
Highest score
98
POP score
101.67
Scores and tasting notes
Another spectacular effort from L'Evangile, the 2010 is a close rival to the 2009 and should be fascinating to compare with that vintage over the next 30 or so years. Stunningly rich and black/purple in color, the 2010 L'Evangile offers up the tell-tale floral note as well as black raspberry jam intermixed with cassis and kirsch. There are also ethereal floral notes and a hint of background oak. The pH is slightly above average (3.7 versus the pH of 4.0 that the 2009 and 2000 possessed). This is a massive, rich, very impressive L'Evangile, and readers should take note of the “+” in my rating, which could certainly push this wine way up there. Remarkably, I was shocked when I learned that this wine was aged in 100% new oak, as the oak is a background element in this blockbuster l'Evangile. Forget it for 3-5 years, and drink it over the following 30-40. With an alcohol level hitting the scales at 14.8%, the 2,000 cases of 2010 L'Evangile come from a blend of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc, which I assume is much less Cabernet Franc than what was used under the old administration of the Ducasse family versus what is being done now by Eric de Rothschild and his team. The new administrators have added some vineyard parcels from neighboring sites, particularly Le Croix de Gay, and they have also replanted part of this vineyard, which sits on the St.-Emilion border next to La Conseillante and facing Cheval Blanc and La Dominique.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #194 May 2011
Extremely complex with black olives, violets and brown sugar. Superb nose. Full body with a impressive density and richness. The quality of the tannins is so very stunning, giving a wonderful texture. Fresh and bright. Such length. Try in 2017.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, November 14th 2013
Tasted at the property, the L’Evangile 2010 was an absolute corker in barrel and now in bottle, the nose is a brooding, almost saturnine beast that bides its time and when your back is turned, it unfurls to offer beautiful, very pure dark red cherry fruit laced with dates, blueberry and truffle. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins on the entry. This has immense backbone and focus, every flavour in its right price. There are subtle notes of raspberry, wild strawberry, cedar, white pepper and black truffle, whilst the finish is incredibly powerful, akin to the great vintages of yesteryear. Cellar and long life ahead required. Tasted November 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Mar 2013
Deep garnet in color, the 2010 L'Evangile strides confidently out of the glass with notes of chocolate-covered cherries, vanilla pod, sweaty leather and baked plums plus hints of tobacco leaf and cinnamon stick. Full-bodied, the generously fruited palate has a lovely, plush frame with oodles of freshness and a spicy kick to the finish.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 5 March 2020