L'Evangile 2006

The sexy, dark ruby/purple-tinged 2006 l'Evangile achieved 14% natural alcohol, as high as any of the great vintages at this estate. Abundant amounts of dark raspberry and black cherry fruit intertwined with sweet plums and hints of figs as well as spring flowers jump from the glass of this medium to full-bodied, fleshy, supple-textured, silky wine. Drink it now or cellar it for 15-20 years.

Very silky and caressing on the palate, with a full body and lots of chocolate, coffee and berry character. Refined and elegant, with a long finish. Could use a bit more on the finish.

The first vintage vinified in the new cuvier was 2004. Having 26 cuves allows them to vinify separately the 26 individual parcels that make up the 14 ha estate. Yields were pretty low at 33 hl/ha, after green harvesting. Gentle vinification - remontage (pumping over) thrice daily but never délestage (rack and return). At harvest the grapes showed the same potential as in 2005 in terms of sugar level and tannic maturity. The rain was the starter pistol for the harvest. Total maceration 27 days. 86% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon 50% new oak.Excellent dark crimson. Fully ripe tarry nose - very mineral indeed. Exciting. Great richness. Rich purple fruit nose. Very round and opulent - maybe not the most concentrated but lovely open charm - very round, one of roundest wines I’ve tasted among 2006s. Very creamy and round. Lovely wine even now! Just enough acidity rather than too much (so common elsewhere). Very long but not for long keeping. Very at ease. Not desperately concentrated. None of the dry rasping tannins on the finish.

Bright ruby-red. Reduced, wild nose offers black raspberry, graphite, tobacco and dried flowers. Sweet, dense and deep, with a lush texture for the year and a chocolatey ripeness to the flavors of leather, game and cedar. For such a pliant, sexy Pomerol, this has lovely verve and backbone.