The 2018 L'Evangile Bordeaux Blend from Pomerol, France, is a critically acclaimed wine that has garnered exceptional reviews from industry professionals. This red wine, composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, showcases a rich and intense profile with a balanced structure. At 14.5% alcohol, it presents a substantial yet harmonious experience.
James Suckling awarded the wine a stellar 98 points, praising its “blackberry, black olive and a hint of brown sugar” aromas. He notes the wine's “full-bodied” nature and “layers of ripe tannins,” which contribute to a “rich, intense and flavorful finish.” He also highlights that the grapes are organically grown, suggesting the wine be tried after 2025.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also rated the wine highly with 97 points. Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes it as “deep garnet-purple colored” with “explosive scents of boysenberries, stewed plums and baked blackberries.” She acknowledges the wine’s “layers of black fruit preserves and exotic spices,” enhanced by “plush tannins and wonderful energy.” According to her, it is “decadently approachable now” but will benefit from 4-5 years of aging.
Jeff Leve from The Wine Cellar Insider echoes these sentiments, awarding the wine 97 points. He notes its “completely opaque” appearance and the “concentration to match the intensity” of its flavors, including “black cherries, blue fruit, dark chocolate, truffle, smoke, licorice and plum liqueur.” Leve suggests that the wine demands at least a decade in the cellar.
Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss gave the wine a 94-point score, emphasizing that it is a “richly delicious wine” with “tannins and acidity both pointing to aging potential.” He advises drinking it from 2027 onwards.
Jeb Dunnuck also awarded 97 points, appreciating its “beautiful blue fruits, green tobacco, violets, white truffle, camphor, and damp earth notes.” He highlights the wine's “sweet, silky tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish,” predicting it will evolve well over 25-30 years.
Decanter and Vinous both rated the wine at 97 and 94 points, respectively. Decanter praises its “silky, sexy and smoky” profile with a “beautiful texture,” while Vinous appreciates its “vigorous and intense bouquet” and “fine, supple but firm tannins.”
Wine Spectator also contributed a 94-point review, describing the wine as “dark and winey” with a “burly tobacco edge” and a core of “steeped black currant, blackberry and fig paste flavors.”
Overall, the 2018 L'Evangile is a highly praised wine with robust flavors and aging potential, deserving of the accolades it has received.