Château l'Evangile 1999

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.

Offers fresh herb and sweet berry, with sliced plum, too. Full-bodied, featuring silky tannins and a chewy finish. Still tannic. A little aggressive. Needs some more bottle age. -- '89/'99 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2009). Best after 2011.

Looks quite evolved. Rich and sweet and powerful. A definitely dusty overlay with some slightly rustic tannins but real integrity. This does taste like old-fashioned Pomerol! Notably less fruit-forward than modern wines. Long. Pretty impressive, though specifically for classicists. (JR)

Fully developed, the wine is medium-bodied, bright, fresh, crisp and offers red plums, truffle, mint, forest leaf, tobacco, cocoa, and herbs on the nose and palate. No decanting is needed, just pop and pour.

Deep, rich purple with violet highlights. A bouquet of black elderberry and blackberry, delicate and finely detailed, blackcurrant, restrained sweetness, fruit tea and hints of jasmine. On the palate, soft and velvety, with a silky texture, medium-bodied, a wonderful velvety, blueberry-driven core, then blueberry and candied sugar notes in an elegant, juicy finish tasting of fresh plum. A fine, slender Evangile, without much weight or power.

00: Deep, rich purple with violet highlights. A bouquet of black elderberry and blackberry; fine-boned, with black currant, a restrained sweetness, and notes of jasmine and fruit tea. The palate is soft and velvety, with a silky texture, medium-bodied, a wonderful velvety blueberry core, blueberry and rock-candy notes in an elegant, juicy finish tasting of fresh plums. An Evangile on the fine, slender side, without much drive. 17/20 2004 – 2013

The color is dark and slightly evolved. The nose is smoky, creamy, with animal notes, and beautifully oaked. The palate is smooth and caressing, with a tender body and a delicately velvety texture, finishing with a medium length. This wine is flavorful and very enjoyable.