The 2023 L’Evangile Bordeaux Blend from the Pomerol region of Bordeaux, France, is a sophisticated red wine composed of 78% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Harvested between September 4 and 28, 2023, this wine is known for its elegance and complexity, maturing in a combination of 50% new oak, 15% foudres, 8% amphoras, and the remainder in used barrels. The blend boasts a pH of 3.7 and an alcohol content of around 13.5%.

James Suckling awarded the wine an impressive 97 points, noting, “A fine line of tannins runs through this medium- to full-bodied wine. Chocolate, walnut, and lead pencil on very fine tannins. Classy and focused, providing elegance with strength. Tight at the end” (jamessuckling.com, 4/15/2024).

Vinous gave the wine 96 points, with Neal Martin highlighting its “very floral and precise bouquet with dark red fruit, blueberry, hints of blood orange and light sous-bois scents. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannins. Crisp and precise, there’s fine tension toward the finish with a lingering black pepper note” (vinous.com, 4/29/2024).

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate also praised the wine, scoring it 95 points. William Kelley described it as “Wafting from the glass with deep aromas of dark berries, spices, licorice, and petals, framed by a sweet patina of new oak. It’s medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with a textural attack that segues into a supple, integrated core that’s framed by sweet, powdery tannins” (robertparker.com, 4/26/2024).

The Wine Independent echoed this sentiment, also giving it 95 points. Lisa Perrotti-Brown remarked on its “oaky overtones soon giving way to a core of baked plums, stewed black cherries, and mulberries, leading to suggestions of dried herbs, mossy tree bark, and pencil lead. The medium-bodied palate is lightly chewy, with soft acidity and savory accents to the black berry flavors, finishing with an herbal lift” (thewineindependent.com, 4/28/2024).

Jane Anson praised the wine’s terroir, awarding it 96 points and noting its “powerful architecture and plush damson and black cherry fruits. There is density but tenderness to the tannins, with grilled caramel that gives a beautiful Pomerol signature” (janeanson.com, 4/23/2024).

Jeff Leve was particularly enthusiastic, giving the wine 98 points and stating, “Violets, lilacs, chocolate, truffle, black cherries, smoke, licorice, and plums fill the nose. But, the magic is on the palate with its lush, supple, creamy, elegant textures, soft, polished tannins, length, and depth, finishing with layers of ripe, black plums, and cherries with peppery, spicy, chocolate on the backend” (thewinecellarinsider.com, 4/1/2024).

Overall, the 2023 L’Evangile impresses with its balance, sophistication, and potential for aging, drawing high praise across the board from esteemed reviewers.