2018 Château L'Evangile Pomerol, Bordeaux, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

It is by one of those mysteries of geology that on this plateau, south-east of Pomerol, a curious accident brought to the surface a long line of gravel, a rare soil on which the vineyard of Château L’Évangile rests. The vineyard of L’Évangile is planted mainly with Merlot (79%), supplemented by Cabernet Franc (20%) and a little Cabernet Sauvignon (1%). Its location is quite privileged:  Bordered to the north by the vines of Château Pétrus, it is only separated from Cheval Blanc in Saint-Emilion, to the south, by a small road. Alcoholic fermentation take place in temperature-controlled concrete vats and lasted for about 10 days. Pumping over and maceration times are adjusted for each vat, according to the terroir and the maturity of the tannins. Total maceration times is of 27 days on average for the merlot and 28 days for the cabernet franc. After maceration, the wine is transferred in new oak barrels for the malolactic fermentation, followed by 18 months of ageing. The barrels are made by the Tonnellerie des Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) in Pauillac. The 2018 vintage is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite acquired L’Évangile in 1990. The Ducasse family was keen to ensure continuity of care and sustainability for the estate. In the house in the heart of the vineyards, built of Bordeaux stone in its mythical clay gravel setting, bees and horses, winegrowers and farmers come together. In the midst of an abundance of nature, this is a house full of ideas and experiments. A house where, as soon as we pass through the red wooden doors, we land in the vineyards, where the team observes and cares for the Merlot and Cabernet Franc vines. In the winery, research and work are carried out in unison and without ever forgetting the raw material provided by the vines. L’Évangile is also a table that is always set and ready to receive guests, whether they are curious or experts, around a rib steak grilled on a fire made with the shoots of these same vines. And certainly, a glass of wine. A balanced, powerful and round, sharp, and gentle wine. Château L’Évangile is also the first of the Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite estates to use organic farming methods. All the vines have been replanted and are learning to adapt.