A 2700-case blend of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc cropped at a low 27 hectoliters per hectare (compare that with 39 hectoliters per hectare in 2009 and 31 in 2010) this superb claret was aged 18 months in 75% new French oak. Mulberry spring flower black cherry and raspberry characteristics as well as hints of spice and coffee emerge from this full-bodied opulent structured beauty. It should age effortlessly for 15-20 years.

Full bodied, rich, round, fresh, earthy, dark chocolate and plummy in character, the wine is not quite ready. The tannins are soft, but present, and the youthful vigor remains, but this will deliver the goods with just a few more years in the cellar. The wine was made blending 2008 Château L’Evangile is a blend of 88% Merlot with 12% Cabernet Franc.

Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. Like Chateau Lafleur, this wine detests blind tastings and often comes across as rather “curmudgeonly”, deprived of its due attention apropos decanting etc. Unsurprisingly, the l’Evangile 2008 is a little reticent on the nose: floral red fruit, very Merlot dominated with no Cabernet Franc. It opens nicely in the glass and shows real precision. The palate has a touch of piquancy on the entry, sharp citric acidity, nice tension even though it is just a little abrasive towards the finish. It is pinched at the moment but it should open up and indeed, a second bottle was more animated and tense.

Fleshy but pure and elegant with a gorgeous beam of raspberry ganache plum sauce and cherry preserve laced with subtle graphite spice and violet hints. The long finish is persistent but with some admirable power in reserve. Best from 2013 through 2020. 2700 cases made. -JM