2011 Pomerol, Château L'Évangile
About Producer
Founded in 1741, L’Évangile took its current name when it was bought by Paul Chaperon in 1862. In 1990, the Ducasse, descendants of the Chaperons, sold 70% to Domaine Barons de Rothschild of Lafite and the remaining shares were acquired by the Rothschilds in 1999. Under the new ownership, the estate underwent huge transformation with massive modernisation works, more precise vineyard management and stricter selection for the grand vin. As a result, L’Évangile has resumed its standing among the Pomerol elite. Located at the southeast corner of the Pomerol plateau and organic since 2018, the 22ha vineyard sits on clay, gravel and sand with iron oxide soil, with vines abutting those of Petrus and Cheval Blanc of St Emilion.
Varietals
Blend of 94% merlot and 6% cabernet franc.
About Appellation
Pomerol has 792ha of vines sitting on a diverse range of gravel, sand and clay soil types. Vines were initially planted by the Romans and further expanded in the 12th century by the Knights Hospitallers of the Order of Saint-John of Jerusalem. Devastated during the Hundred Years' War and successive wars of religion, the vineyards were eventually reconstituted in the 15th and 16th centuries, when the Knight Hospitallers set up their first Commanderie in Libourne to welcome pilgrims travelling along the Way of Saint-James to Santiago de Compostela. Home to the top properties is a small plateau of 20ha at the eastern section of the appellation described as a 'boutonnière' (buttonhole) of blue clay, known as 'molasse', sitting on top of a band of sand and gravel rich in iron oxide, known as 'crasse de fer'. Merlot is the dominant grape variety, with cabernet franc playing a supporting role.
Tasting Notes
Captivating nose of ripe berry fruits, plum, spice box, forest floor and violets, dense mouthfeel with satiny texture, good volume and excellent concentration, multilayered flavours of morello cherry, black currant, fig, ganache, truffle, clove and liquorice intermingled with undergrowth notes, lively acidity and polished tannins leading onto a long, caressing finish. Though not having the complexity of the two preceding years, this 2011 is brimming with undeniable charm and has more weight and structure than initially credited for. It’s bold and rich yet deliciously crisp, vibrant and stylish. I particularly love the way it’s meandering effortlessly between finesse and opulence on the palate before bringing out a lingering voluptuous feel throughout the aftertaste. A terrific effort for an uneven vintage indeed. (03/2023)