100 By Robert Parker
An astonishing effort from the Rothschild family, the 2009 l’Evangile may be the reference point offering from this estate for decades to come. A blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc aged in 100% new oak, with 15% natural alcohol, it exhibits a sumptuous bouquet of caramels, black raspberry liqueur, blackberries, violets, graphite and truffles. Thick, viscous flavors are reminiscent of such super-ripe vintages as 1982, 1959, 1949 and 1947. The striking aromatics, massive, full-bodied mouthfeel and multilayered palate that resembles a skyscraper in the mouth offer an abject lesson in great winemaking, extraordinary terroir, and the ability to combine power with precision, elegance and freshness. This is unquestionably a huge wine, but it also possesses mindboggling complexity and finesse. Because of its sheer extract and velvety personality, it will be drinkable in 4-5 years, and will keep for four decades or more where well-stored. The most profound L’Evangile ever made?
100 By Robert Parker
An astonishing effort from the Rothschild family, the 2009 l’Evangile may be the reference point offering from this estate for decades to come. A blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc aged in 100% new oak, with 15% natural alcohol, it exhibits a sumptuous bouquet of caramels, black raspberry liqueur, blackberries, violets, graphite and truffles. Thick, viscous flavors are reminiscent of such super-ripe vintages as 1982, 1959, 1949 and 1947. The striking aromatics, massive, full-bodied mouthfeel and multilayered palate that resembles a skyscraper in the mouth offer an abject lesson in great winemaking, extraordinary terroir, and the ability to combine power with precision, elegance and freshness. This is unquestionably a huge wine, but it also possesses mindboggling complexity and finesse. Because of its sheer extract and velvety personality, it will be drinkable in 4-5 years, and will keep for four decades or more where well-stored. The most profound L’Evangile ever made?
99 By James Suckling
The purity of fruit in this is spellbinding now with blackberry and blueberry as well as violet undertones. Focused on intense yet subtle fruit. Full body, very tight yet textured and sexy. Ultra-fine tannins. The aftertaste of light chocolate and burnt orange peel is always subtle and bright. Needs at least another five or six years to open but already a joy to taste.
99 By James Sukling
The purity of fruit in this is spellbinding now with blackberry and blueberry as well as violet undertones. Focused on intense yet subtle fruit. Full body, very tight yet textured and sexy. Ultra-fine tannins. The aftertaste of light chocolate and burnt orange peel is always subtle and bright. Needs at least another five or six years to open but already a joy to taste.
19 By Rene Gabriel
Tiefes Purpur, satt in der Mitte, Granatschimmer am Rand. Wuchtiges Bouquet, viel sehr reife, rote Kirschen, Kaffeeröstnoten, ziemlich wuchtig im Ansatz mit einem zarten Vintage-Portschimmer über dem Nasenspiel. Im Gaumen lang mit viel Rasse, Pralinen und Cassis im dichten, fleischigen Extrakt, dunkes Caramel im Finale. Wirkt am Schluss klassischer als vom ersten Naseneindruck her angenommen. (19/20). 13: Sattes, leicht mattes Purpur, karmesinrote Reflexen. Wohlig duftendes Bouquet, der Cabernet Franc ist reif und zeigt dies mit seiner pflaumig-reifen Note, Brombeerengelée, etwas Black Currant und dunkle Edelhölzer, der Druck vom Nasenbild wird nur langsam aufgebaut und der Wein hat nasal Mühe sich richtig zu offenbaren. Samtig im Gaumen, sehr weich mit einer sublimen Fülle, die Tannine dokumentieren sich mehr im Extrakt als in der generellen Adstringenz, im Finale zeigt sich das fordernde Korn der Gerbstoffe und diese machen den Fluss dezent mehlig. Grosser Wein, der dann aber doch nicht ganz mit der unglaublichen Elite mithalten kann. Braucht viel Zeit zur ersten Reife.
19 By Rene Gabriel
Tiefes Purpur, satt in der Mitte, Granatschimmer am Rand. Wuchtiges Bouquet, viel sehr reife, rote Kirschen, Kaffeeröstnoten, ziemlich wuchtig im Ansatz mit einem zarten Vintage-Portschimmer über dem Nasenspiel. Im Gaumen lang mit viel Rasse, Pralinen und Cassis im dichten, fleischigen Extrakt, dunkes Caramel im Finale. Wirkt am Schluss klassischer als vom ersten Naseneindruck her angenommen. (19/20). 13: Sattes, leicht mattes Purpur, karmesinrote Reflexen. Wohlig duftendes Bouquet, der Cabernet Franc ist reif und zeigt dies mit seiner pflaumig-reifen Note, Brombeerengelée, etwas Black Currant und dunkle Edelhölzer, der Druck vom Nasenbild wird nur langsam aufgebaut und der Wein hat nasal Mühe sich richtig zu offenbaren. Samtig im Gaumen, sehr weich mit einer sublimen Fülle, die Tannine dokumentieren sich mehr im Extrakt als in der generellen Adstringenz, im Finale zeigt sich das fordernde Korn der Gerbstoffe und diese machen den Fluss dezent mehlig. Grosser Wein, der dann aber doch nicht ganz mit der unglaublichen Elite mithalten kann. Braucht viel Zeit zur ersten Reife.
97 By Wine Spectator
This takes a broader approach, with almost stolid tobacco and charcoal structure guarding the core of black currant, roasted fig and blackberry confiture flavors. Long and very fleshy, offering ample toast and searing singed iron notes, but terrific integration. Merlot in Cabernet clothing, with a long life ahead. Best from 2018 through 2035. –JM
97 By Wine Spectator
This takes a broader approach, with almost stolid tobacco and charcoal structure guarding the core of black currant, roasted fig and blackberry confiture flavors. Long and very fleshy, offering ample toast and searing singed iron notes, but terrific integration. Merlot in Cabernet clothing, with a long life ahead. Best from 2018 through 2035. –JM
An astonishing effort from the Rothschild family, the 2009 l’Evangile may be the reference point offering from this estate for decades to come. A blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc aged in 100% new oak, with 15% natural alcohol, it exhibits a sumptuous bouquet of caramels, black raspberry liqueur, blackberries, violets, graphite and truffles. Thick, viscous flavors are reminiscent of such super-ripe vintages as 1982, 1959, 1949 and 1947. The striking aromatics, massive, full-bodied mouthfeel and multilayered palate that resembles a skyscraper in the mouth offer an abject lesson in great winemaking, extraordinary terroir, and the ability to combine power with precision, elegance and freshness. This is unquestionably a huge wine, but it also possesses mindboggling complexity and finesse. Because of its sheer extract and velvety personality, it will be drinkable in 4-5 years, and will keep for four decades or more where well-stored. The most profound L’Evangile ever made?
