2021 Château L'Evangile Pomerol Magnum

Winery Château L'Évangile Château L'Évangile is among Pomerol's historic top wines, situated on exceptional terroir bordering vineyards such as La Conseillante and Cheval Blanc. The estate is known for its Merlot-dominated style, with Cabernet Franc playing an increasingly important role. In recent years, under the leadership of a new team, a strong focus has been placed on organic and biodynamic viticulture, lower yields, and refined vinification. This shift in direction has resulted in wines with greater tension, precision, and a timeless character. More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab. Pomerol and the 2021 vintage Pomerol is known for its compact, textured wines, often driven by Merlot grapes on clay and gravel soils. The appellation offers little margin for error, meaning vintages under challenging conditions require careful selection. The 2021 vintage was marked by frost, high rainfall, and significant disease pressure. However, thanks to strict biodynamic measures and extremely low yields, L'Évangile managed to harvest high-quality grapes. The result is a wine with fresh acidity, moderate alcohol, and classic balance. Vineyards and terroir of L'Évangile The vineyards of Château L'Évangile consist of a combination of clay and gravel, particularly in the Chantecaille area where Cabernet Franc plays a prominent role. These soils contribute both power and refinement, giving the wine its characteristic minerality. In 2021, yields were extremely low, around 20 hectoliters per hectare for Merlot. This low yield directly contributed to concentration and aromatic depth. Grape varieties and composition The 2021 Château L'Évangile is blended from 69% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. The relatively high proportion of Cabernet Franc is notable for the estate and contributes to freshness, floral aromas, and length. Merlot provides texture and roundness, while Cabernet Franc adds tension, spice, and a salty undertone. The blend is precisely tailored to the character of the vintage. Harvest and vinification The harvest took place between September 21st and October 4th, with careful selection in both the vineyard and cellar. Due to the challenging growing season, intensive efforts were made to process only healthy and optimally ripe fruit. Vinification was carried out with minimal intervention. The wine underwent only two rackings, which contributes to gentle extraction and preserved purity. This approach results in a wine with an enveloping texture and clear terroir expression. Maturation and use of amphora The maturation of the 2021 L'Évangile marks a clear shift in style. Approximately 40 to 50% of the wine was aged in new oak barrels, significantly less than in the past. In addition, approximately 15% was aged in terracotta amphora. This combination results in less toasted notes and a greater focus on fruit, freshness, and minerality. The wine was bottled in May 2023. Magnum size and maturation advantage This wine is offered in a magnum format. Due to the larger bottle size, the wine develops more slowly and evenly than in a standard bottle. This enhances the integration of tannins and acidity and significantly extends the drinking window. For a wine with the finesse and structure of L'Évangile, a magnum is ideal. Color, smell and taste In the glass, the wine reveals a deep ruby red color. The nose is complex and seductive, with aromas of black cherry, dark fruit, and plum, complemented by notes of licorice, black truffle, rose petal, iris, and a subtle mineral note. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a broad and creamy attack. The mid-palate is juicy and precise, supported by sweet, powdery tannins and fresh acidity. The finish is long, refined, and salty, with a distinct tension. Structure, style and storage potential The 2021 Château L'Évangile combines classic Pomerol texture with a modern approach to freshness and balance. The style is unders