The 2012 L'Evangile Bordeaux Blend from Pomerol, France, presents a complex and compelling profile, consistently receiving high praise from reviewers for its depth and character. This red wine, comprised predominantly of Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Franc, showcases a deep, dark color and a robust structure typical of the Pomerol region.
Wine Spectator awarded this vintage a score of 94, describing it as a "dense, dark, woodsy style" with flavors of tobacco, charcoal, and tar, complemented by plum, black currant, and fig. They noted its powerful nature, suggesting it will improve with age, recommending consumption from 2018 through 2032.
James Suckling lauded the wine with an impressive score of 95, highlighting its "extremely polished" nature, with elements of chocolate, stone, and cedar, and praising its "tight center palate" and energetic presence. He was enthusiastic about its potential, eager to see its evolution by 2020.
Decanter, with a score of 96, called it a wine with real Pomerol "flesh" and structure, noting it grows in the glass and would benefit from a few more years of aging or early decanting. They emphasized its primarily Merlot composition due to replanting efforts at the estate.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also rated it 94 and described it as a "beauty with great fragrance and suppleness," noting its medium to full body and velvety tannins. This reviewer appreciated its lushness and silkiness, marking it as an outstanding effort from L'Evangile in 2012.
Overall, the 2012 L'Evangile is characterized by a blend of dark fruits, sweet tobacco, and a touch of exoticism, supported by fine tannins and a long, focused finish. It's a wine with personality and structure, promising to age gracefully over the coming decades.