Wine Advocate 95 / 100 byNeal Martinthe3/31/2017 The 2014 L'Evangile comes racing out of the blocks on the nose with plenty of black cherry, blueberry, cold stone and black truffle scents, quintessentially Pomerol with impressive delineation and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly grainy texture, lovely black fruit here laced with Earl Grey, spice and sage, quite intense and fanning out gloriously towards the long finish. This seems to have gained precision after bottling and I did warn that it may merit a higher score. This is a deeply impressive L'Evangile that might challenge Lafite-Rothschild in the long term. Chapeau!
Jamessuckling.com 94 / 100 byJames Sucklingthe2/16/2017 The blackberry, mushroom and oyster-shell character really comes out. Full body and flavors of dark chocolate, walnuts and concentrated berries. Structured. Bitter-chocolate aftertaste. Try drinking in 2022.
Wine Spectator 93 / 100 byJames Molesworththe2/8/2017 This alluring red features velvety tannins carrying notes of crushed plum, warm blackberry preserves and dark licorice, gaining muscle through the charcoal-scored finish. There's a deep tug of warm earth throughout, and this needs a little time to stretch out. Best from 2020 through 2030. 3,500 cases made.
Vinous 91 / 100 byAntonio Gallonithe2/6/2017 The 2014 L'Évangile is laced with black cherry, torrefaction, spice, leather, licorice and heavy French oak. It will be interesting to see if the fruit emerges here. Today, the oak is quite dominant in both the wine's flavor profile and its texture. I would like to think a little more nuance is possible given L'Évangile's neighborhood. 91+
Le Point 17 / 20 byJacques Dupontthe5/21/2015 Mûre, fruits noirs, cerise noire, épices, myrtille, bouche ronde, soyeuse, plein, garni, violette, réglissé, belle matière tanins veloutés. Long et élégant.
The Wine Cellar Insider 92-94 / 100 byJeff Levethe5/5/2015 With cherry blossom, black cherry, truffle and cocoa on the nose, this is a refined style of wine, which focuses on fresh fruit and elegant, soft tannins. There is a delicate, spicy note in the end that adds complexity. From a blend of 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 14% alcohol with a pH of 3.8. 92-94 Pts
Wine Advocate 92-94 / 100 byNeal Martinthe4/30/2015 The Château L’Evangile 2014 is a blend of 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc, the latter from re-planted vines that have come into the grand vin. It has a very refined bouquet, the Cabernet Franc lending a slight savory character. The palate is beautifully structured with a fine line of acidity. The black fruit is suffused with a hint of sweet coconut coming through on the finish from the oak. That will be subsumed with time. This is quite a powerful L’Evangile with fine tannins and an insistent grip. This is an impressive L'Evangile and it may warrant a higher score after bottling.
Asian Palate 93 / 100 byJeannie Cho Lee MWthe4/20/2015 Subtle aromas of blackberry, plum and black tea. Supple tannins that are refined and have velvety texture. Nice density and depth with long finish. 18% Cabernet Franc in this vintage; the average is usually only 10% Cabernet Franc. This year the IPT is 67 (not that high) and the pH is 3.3, which explains its freshness. The alcohol is 14% but one does not feel this at all.
Decanter.com 17,5 / 20 byJames Lawther MWthe4/17/2015 Slightly trimmer and less opulent in style with all the estate's Cabernet Franc in the blend (18%). Gently aromatic with attractive fruit. Long and silky on the palate. Touch of alcohol on the finish but balanced by the freshness of the tannins. Drink: 2021-2034 (91)
Jancis Robinson 17,5 / 20 byJancis Robinsonthe4/14/2015 82% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc. Harvested 22 September to 4 October. Some of the Cabernet Franc vines were planted in 2006 and are in this for the first time. (Blason is 100% Merlot.) pH 3.8, TA 3.3 g/l (= 5.05 g/l expressed as tartaric). Black lustrous crimson. Fresh, transparent nose. Round and seductive. Difficult to even see the tannins. Flattering and very vibrant. Long. 14.2%Drink 2022-2037
Jamessuckling.com 91-92 / 100 byJames Sucklingthe4/10/2015 Aromas of blackberries, oyster shell and black licorice. Full body and a firm and muscular backbone of tannins. Slightly austere.
René Gabriel 18 / 20 byRené Gabrielthe4/1/2015 82 % Merlot, 18 % Cabernet Franc. Sattes Purpur-Granat, dicht in der Mitte, lila Schimmer aussen. Sehr floral mit Malz und roten Beeren, zeigt dabei eine schöne Tiefe und wirkt im Ansatz schon ziemlich harmonisch. Im Gaumen samtig, hochfein mit einer sublimen Fülle, alles ist da richtigen Ort. Nur der Druck fehlt halt für ein ganz grosses Jahr. Mich hat er mit seinen Finessen überzeugt. Man merkt ihm die 14 Volumenprozente ganz und har nicht an. Mit 30 Hektoliter pro Hektare ist das ein eher kleiner Ertrag. Von den rechnerischen Facts her, wird das Ding alsgarantiert seine Wertung verifizieren. 18/20 2022 – 2038
Wine Spectator 93-96 / 100 byJames Molesworththe3/30/2015 Tightly coiled for now, offering raspberry, bitter plum and dark currant fruit that should unwind slowly. Features charcoaland smoldering tobacco notes, with a hint of loam underscoring the finish. Always among the more muscular Pomerols,with a substantial percentage of Cabernet Franc, and 2014 is no different.