Chateau l´Evangile 2013

JANCIS ROBINSON: "87% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc. Plummy, blackcurrant jus, super-fine tannins, a little bit of burnt meat and milk chocolate. Mouthwatering acidity. Demonstrates the leanness of the vintage in terms of structure – but has full flavour ripeness. Lovely sumptuous mouthfeel. Luxurious feel. There is just a bit of perfume opening up here, giving promise of real complexity."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Not shy, with charcoal and bitter cocoa notes, accented by plenty of tobacco details. The core of dark plum, currant paste and fig flavors pulls all the elements together through the finish. A frankly muscular style that is both ambitious and surprisingly successful in this vintage. Best from 2018 through 2028. 2,000 cases made."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Shows plenty of blackberry, tar and mineral character on the nose and palate. Full body, chewy tannins. Needs a year or two to soften."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "On the palate, the wine showcases rose, plum, cherry, dark chocolate and truffle with a hint of espresso bean and silky, fresh, clean red berries. This is a good expression of L’Evangile with a lot of density for the vintage, but the wine ends with just a touch of dryness in otherwise fresh finish. From a blend of 87% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.6. The yields were 27 hectoliters per hectare, and the Grand Vin was made from 60% of the harvest. The wine will be aged in 100% new French oak."