Chateau L'Evangile, Pomerol 2000

This is an absolutely spectacular L’Evangile. It remains to be seen whether 2009 will eclipse this great effort. Largely a Merlot-dominated blend with some Cabernet Franc in it, the greatness of this terroir is exhibited in the complexity of the nose, which offers up hints of subtle chocolate, blueberry, blackberry, truffle, barbecue smoke, and graphite. Dense, rich, and full-bodied, with an opulence and succulence that are prodigious, the tannins are present but extremely sweet, and the wine multi-dimensional and just emerging as a compellingly complex, head-turning beauty. Drink it now and over the next 20-25 years. Kudos to L’Evangile.

A blend of 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc aged 19 months in new oak barrels, the 2000 Château l'Evangile is showing beautifully, with a spicy, herbal, truffly perfume supported by beautiful red and black fruits on the nose. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate, has shed all its baby fat, and has a pure, focused, elegant mouthfeel, lots of cedary herbs, a hint of mint, fine, polished tannins, and outstanding length. It has another 10-15 years at this level before a gradual decline. Drink 2026-2041.

Saturated ruby. Superripe aromas of black and red fruits and dark chocolate; almost but not quite pruney. Then pliant, sweet and lush, with explosive black raspberry fruit and lots of early personality. This is downright hedonistic and deceptively soft. Finishes very long and ripe, with extremely fine tannins.