At a glance

Producer

Chateau L'Evangile

Region

Pomerol, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Predominantly Merlot (80-85%), with Cabernet Franc (15-20%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$330–$400 per 750ml bottle (retail, 2024 global market average)

Tasting profile

Rich black cherry, plum, cassis, violets, licorice, and truffle on the nose; palate of dark berries, graphite, hints of mocha, spice box, and notable mineral depth. Firm tannins and youthful vibrance.

Evolution: Flavors will evolve into more savory, tertiary notes—forest floor, cigar box, leather, and earth—while retaining silky fruit core and subtle floral character.

At peak: At peak, expect velvety tannin texture, seamless integration of fruit/spice/earth, marked complexity, suppleness, and a persistent, elegant finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus acidity, delivering remarkable freshness and longevity; acidity is integrated and will help further maturation.

Tannins

Abundant but fine-grained; tannins are beginning to resolve, providing a robust backbone yet still a firm edge.

Alcohol

13.5-14%; balanced and well-integrated into the fruit and structure.

Aging potential

20-28 years from vintage; high potential for graceful, complex development.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2029 to 2060

Optimal window

2025 to 2063

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Structured, fresh, deeply layered, with youthful fruit and firm tannins; promising further integration.

The period 2028–2036 is optimal as tannins reach full resolution, primary fruit matures into more nuanced secondary and tertiary elements, and the wine achieves harmony between freshness and complexity. Prior, it is assertively youthful; after, tertiary flavors dominate and fruit components begin to fade, risking loss of vibrancy.

Food pairing

Classic pairings: roast lamb (herb-crusted), duck breast with cherry sauce, beef filet with porcini, or aged Comté. With age, lean towards truffled dishes, game bird, mushroom risotto, or slow-cooked oxtail. As the wine softens, richer and more umami-driven pairings are best.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has abundant but fine-grained tannins that are beginning to resolve, which can benefit from aeration to enhance its flavors and soften its structure.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Sustainable viticulture, reduced chemical inputs, organic conversion underway, hand-harvesting, biodiversity focus.

Chateau L'Evangile has increased sustainability efforts since the late 2010s, moving towards organic farming with strong biodiversity and ecosystem respect. Not yet certified biodynamic as of 2024, but progress is notable for Pomerol standards.