Chateau l´Evangile 2010

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, dezente Randaufhellung. Zarte Nuancen von Bienenwachs und reifen Herzkirschen, süßer dunkler Beerenschmelz, zart nach Lindt-Nougatschokolade, hochattrak­tives Bukett. Saftig, komplex, angenehme ­Extraktsüße, reife Tannine, erstaunlich gute Frische, mineralisch-salzige Nuancen, bleibt lange haften, schwarze Kirschen im Abgang, tolle Länge. Wirkt im Moment recht zugänglich. Man sollte sich dennoch in Geduld üben, um nicht vieles zu versäumen, was in diesem Wein der Extraklasse für die Zukunft angelegt ist. Verfügt über unglaubliche Frische."

DECANTER: "Concentrated and closed on the nose, this has silky, seductive, finely-layered tannins, with tons of fruit and acidity providing the counterpoint. We are very definitely stepping up a level here, even among the extremely good quality wines that I am tasting. The depth and texture are striking, as are the exotic notes of anis and black peppercorns, and the whispers of iris and violet flowers as things open up in the glass. Such a lovely property, really showing what it can do."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "The nose reminds of walking into a flower shop, with a pound of truffles and Cuban cigars in your front pocket. Powerful, full bodied and intense, the wine is fresh, tannic, and young. Give this another 8-10 years to soften and fill out. The wine was made from a blend of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc."

WINE SPECTATOR: "A Pomerol of a different color, relying heavily on dense muscle and dark charcoal notes, with a core of fig, blackberry paste and blueberry reduction waiting in reserve. Very solid through the finish, displaying a thick ganache coating and extra loam, black licorice and dark fig notes rolling through. Best from 2017 through 2037. 3,000 cases made. — JM"

JAMES SUCKLING: "Superb aromas of blackberry, blueberry, violets and citrus peel. Some oyster shell and dark chocolate. Full body, dense and powerful with chewy tannins and lots of rich fruit at the finish. Turns to walnut and dark berry. I love the texture and richness. A wine to follow for your lifetime. Just opening a little now."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Deep garnet in color, the 2010 L'Evangile strides confidently out of the glass with notes of chocolate-covered cherries, vanilla pod, sweaty leather and baked plums plus hints of tobacco leaf and cinnamon stick. Full-bodied, the generously fruited palate has a lovely, plush frame with oodles of freshness and a spicy kick to the finish."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Very dark crimson indeed. Very very sweet. Sweet and rich and full and extremely lush and flattering. Very smart and long and rich. Purity was the aim. Sweet start but lots of tannin and firmness. A wine I would really relax with. Long and relaxing and a bit like a massage. Their reconstruction aimed to increase the Cabernet Franc. Dry finish but so calming and charming. They have introduced some organic methods in the vineyard and replaced old vines. 14.7% but 3.75 pH."