L'Evangile 2003

Tasted at Bordeaux Index’s “10-Year On” tasting in London. I may have been mean towards this Pomerol stalwart in the past, or perhaps the wine is one of the few to have improved. The L’Evangile 2003 has a superior bouquet compared to its peers – better definition for a start with clean dark cherry, kirsch and raspberry fruit complemented by a distant scent of marmalade. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, quite lithe tannins. It is not a complex L’Evangile by a long way and it is afflicted by a slight monotony. However, there is a good structure here, better freshness and demonstrates some tension on the finish. Drink now. Tasted March 2013.

The dark ruby-colored 2003 (which suffered from the hot weather in June, July, and August) is already revealing some lightening at the edge. This soft, round, sensual (12.8% alcohol) effort had to be harvested before it could achieve the texture, depth, and persistence of a profound l’Evangile such as 2000 or 1998. The charming, but superficial 2003 requires consumption during its first 7-8 years of life. As a postscript, readers should realize that major investments and extraordinary efforts in both the vineyard and cellar are being made at L’Evangile. I predict it will eventually rival Petrus and Lafleur as one of the finest wines of the appellation. The estate has also introduced a second wine called Blason, which permits them to cull out lots not good enough for the grand vin.