Château L'Evangile - Pomerol 2003

Wine Advocate

88 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/24/2006

The dark ruby-colored 2003 (which suffered from the hot weather in June, July, and August) is already revealing some lightening at the edge. This soft, round, sensual (12.8% alcohol) effort had to be harvested before it could achieve the texture, depth, and persistence of a profound l’Evangile such as 2000 or 1998. The charming, but superficial 2003 requires consumption during its first 7-8 years of life. As a postscript, readers should realize that major investments and extraordinary efforts in both the vineyard and cellar are being made at L’Evangile. I predict it will eventually rival Petrus and Lafleur as one of the finest wines of the appellation. The estate has also introduced a second wine called Blason, which permits them to cull out lots not good enough for the grand vin.

Wine Advocate

87-88 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/29/2005

The 2003's alcohol levels are lower than the 2002's, since the vineyard had to be picked early because of raisining and defoliation. This wine, a blend of 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc, will be bottled early to preserve its fruit. This seductive easygoing L’Evangile lacks depth, body and persistence, but what is there is charming and tasty. Raspberries and cherries jump from the glass of this deep ruby-colored effort. It exhibits fleshy, but superficial flavors and a heady, lush finish. Everything is in balance, so drink it over the next 7-10 years, as it is on a quick evolutionary track.

Wine Spectator

89-91 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe6/30/2004

Plenty of plum and spice with hints of licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky tannins and a fresh finish. Slightly hollow center palate, but should fill in nicely.

Wine Advocate

86-88 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/29/2004

Made from small yields of 24 hectoliters per hectare, this 79% Merlot / 21% Cabernet Franc blend is superficial, but pleasant and fruity. It lacks the body, depth, and concentration one expects of this fabulous terroir, but the summer heat caused considerable problems, and the fruit had to be harvested early. The deep ruby-colored, medium-bodied 2003 l’Evangile exhibits strawberry, cherry, and raspberry fruit with hints of earth and spice in the background, and a short finish. It will require consumption during its first 10-12 years of life.