The 2021 L'Evangile Bordeaux Blend from Pomerol, France is a red wine that has garnered significant attention and acclaim from various esteemed wine critics. This wine, produced by L'Evangile, is composed primarily of Merlot (69%), with Cabernet Franc (30%) and a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (1%). The wine is notable for its 15.5% alcohol content and is sealed with a cork closure.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, through William Kelley, awarded the 2021 L'Evangile a score of 94, praising its "aromas of dark cherries and berries mingled with notions of licorice, black truffle, rose petal, and iris." Kelley highlighted the wine's "medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping" nature and its "sweet, powdery tannins." Kelley also noted the innovative maturation process involving amphora and less toasty barriques, which results in a "much more timeless expression" of the property.
Jane Anson, writing for janeanson.com, also rated the wine at 94 points, describing it as having a "dark ruby color" with "curling aromatics of gunsmoke and violet." Anson emphasized the wine's "savoury dark fruits with licorice, cloves, smoked earth, and black truffle," and commended its "finesse and balance." She noted the careful aging process and the wine's status as the first organic-certified vintage with Juliette Couderc as the technical director.
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com gave the wine an impressive 95 points, appreciating its "rich in color" and "soft, vibrant" palate with "chewy red fruits, chalky tannins, freshness, spice, and leafy herbs." Leve highlighted the blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, and noted the wine's potential for aging, suggesting it be enjoyed from 2025-2048.
Jeb Dunnuck, from jebdunnuck.com, similarly rated the wine at 94 points, identifying "blue fruits, cassis, violets, tobacco, and subtle chocolaty oak" as the defining aromatics. Dunnuck praised the wine's "medium to full-bodied richness" and "just about flawless overall balance," noting the higher Cabernet Franc component.
James Suckling, on jamessuckling.com, rated the wine at 97 points, describing it as "pure, creamy, and well-structured yet very fine." Suckling highlighted the "long and caressing" finish with "lots of fresh dark fruit and savory, mineral character," calling it "understated and classy."
Decanter also awarded the wine 94 points, noting its "concentrated and bold" aroma with dark fruits and "gorgeous perfumed Cabernet aspects." The review highlighted the wine's "succulent and juicy" palate with "plump fruit" and a "chalky" finish.
Vinous, represented by Antonio Galloni, gave the wine 96 points, calling it "one of the triumphs of the year." Galloni praised the wine's "deeply sensual" nature and "model of contemporary excellence," emphasizing its biodynamic farming and reduced yield of 20 hectoliters per hectare.
Overall, the 2021 L'Evangile is a well-received wine, noted for its complexity, balance, and innovative production techniques.