Château L'Évangile
The vintage
2021 was a year marked by an Atlantic climate, in which our great early-ripening plots of gravel-clay were our best allies in the search for balance. Aromatic freshness, particularly in the Cabernet Franc, which reached a record percentage in the blend! An episode of frost in spring, with capricious weather. This first vintage to be certified organic has enabled us to make progress in the face of climatic hazards, particularly on the Merlot grapes, and to learn how to react more effectively.
Location
The Pomerol appellation stretches on a plateau on the right bank of the Dordogne river, about 40km north east of Bordeaux. In Pomerol, merlot is king. The characteristics of Pomerol’s clay soil give to this varietal an expression like nowhere else in the world.
Terroir
L’Evangile’s vineyard covers 22 hectares at the heart of the Pomerol plateau, sharing the appellation’s best terroirs with two other prestigious properties. Here, through a mystery of geology, the heavy green clay soils are covered by a bed of gravel. These high quality soils are the source of the estate’s great merlot, and the secret of Chateau l’Evangile’s extraordinary power and depth.
Winemaking
Alcoholic fermentation take place in temperature-controlled concrete vats and lasted for about 10 days. Pumping over and maceration times are adjusted for each vat, according to the terroir and the maturity of the tannins. Total maceration times is between 21 and 25 days. After maceration, the wine is transferred in new oak barrels for the malolactic fermentation, followed by 18 months of ageing. The barrels are made by the Tonnellerie des Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) in Pauillac.
Tasting
Reflecting the vintage, l'Evangile embodies sobriety and elegance, with a peppery nose laced with notes of black berry, a gentle balance between spices and freshness.
The palate is surprisingly floral, with a chiselled attack that quickly builds to a remarkable density supported by a silky tannic structure. Harmony reflecting a wine of great purity.
Alcohol content
14.5
Grapes
Merlot
: 69 %
Cabernet franc
: 30 %
Cabernet sauvignon
: 1 %