Château L'EVANGILE 2011
In Pomerol, Château L’Évangile occupies a prestigious terroir located on the plateau, in the immediate vicinity of several of the most renowned properties of the appellation. The estate has belonged to Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite since 1990 and is based on gravel and clay soils that are particularly suitable for Merlot. Cabernet Franc also plays an essential role in the identity of the cru, bringing freshness, aromatic finesse, and tension to naturally deep wines. The vineyard benefits from a privileged location that favors regular ripening and a very complete expression of the fruit. The 2011 vintage, more classic and less sunny than 2009 or 2010, gave Pomerol structured, fresh wines that are often more immediate in their evolution. The 2011 Évangile fits into this register with precise matter, beautiful uprightness, and complexity that has refined over time. After more than a decade in bottle, the wine is now entering a phase where the ripe fruit begins to blend into more evolved nuances.
The blend of Château L’Évangile 2011 is dominated by Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc. Merlot brings a broad and velvety texture, marked by black plum, blackberry, and ripe cherry. Cabernet Franc adds more freshness, structure, and a floral and spicy dimension that stretches the wine on the finish. The different parcels are vinified separately to preserve their identity before composing the final blend. Aging in French oak barrels then accompanies the matter and allows the tannins to gradually integrate. The more classic profile of 2011 favors balance and precision rather than massive concentration. This structure gives today a harmonious wine, already accessible but still capable of evolving for several years under good conditions.
The color shows a deep garnet with slightly evolved ruby nuances. The nose combines black plum, ripe cherry, and blackcurrant with notes of violet, cedar, and licorice. On aeration, blond tobacco, cocoa, undergrowth, and fine truffle nuances gradually appear. The palate is supple and velvety, with now well-integrated tannins that give the whole a harmonious texture. Merlot retains a beautiful fruity presence while Cabernet Franc maintains a freshness that prolongs the tasting. The finish develops on black fruits, spices, tobacco, and a discreet earthy dimension typical of maturing Pomerol. Château L’Évangile 2011 will accompany roasted pigeon, beef fillet with cep mushrooms, rack of lamb, duck breast, or refined cuisine around black truffle.
Grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
