The 1985 L'Évangile has vied with the 1989 as the finest of the decade. It was unapologetically backward for the first two decades of its life, but now it's just everything you want from a mature Pomerol. With melted red fruit, garrigues, rosemary, thyme and hints of black truffle, the aromatics reel you in. Likewise, the palate now has exquisite balance, sensual in style and effortless with a savory, slightly meaty finish that is in a perfect place now. Just a gorgeous Pomerol. Tasted at a private dinner in Beaune. -- Neal Martin

A beautiful L’Evangile and one of the vintage’s top successes, the color still retains a very dense ruby/purple with only a bit of lightening at the edge. A classic nose of liquid intermixed with black raspberries., blackberries, licorice, and a hint of truffle jumps from the glass of this medium to full-bodied, very concentrated, well-balanced, sweet, authoritatively powerful yet at the same time elegant wine. It has reached full maturity , where it should rest for some time to come. Anticipated maturity: Now-2017. - Robert Parker

The 1985 l’Evangile has long had a stellar reputation, as this was the first vintage at the estate after its purchase by Lafite-Rothschild, and this most recent bottle at our October tasting showed beautifully. The deep, pure and flamboyant nose jumps from the glass in a blend of roasted plums, black cherries, mocha, herb tones, a dollop of cigar smoke and plenty of toasty new oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and quite suave and velvety on the attack, with a fine core of fruit, melting tannins and excellent length and grip on the focused and very classy finish. A lovely vintage of l’Evangile that is making good on the considerable promise of its youth, but is certainly a bit more polished in style than the wines made here prior to the sale to Lafite.