Chateau L'Evangile Pomerol(2000)

Cabernet Franc is Boucher) planted at a density of 5,500 vines per hectare. The average age of the vines is 25 years. Chateau l'Evangile has two major soil types. There are the clay soils common to the plateau of Pomerol but also areas of gravel which are very unusual for Pomerol and much more common to the Graves region. The clay produces wines of strength and power while the gravel parts create wines that are more delicate.

History: In the earliest times of the estate (up to the mid 1700's), this property was known as Fazilleau. In the mid 1800s the chateau came to prominence under the name Chateau L'Evangile During this rise of fame, L'Evangile was owned by the Chaperon family It stayed in succeeding generations of thier family until the Domaines Baron de Rothschild were brought in as partners. The Rothschild group finally purchased a controlling interest in the property in 1990.

Harvest and Vinification: All harvesting is done by hand as is required by regulation in the appellation. When the weather allows, the grapes are brought to maximum ripeness. The long hang time before harvest lowers the yeild (about 45 hectolitres per hectare (475 gallons per acre)) but produces wines of great concentration. The alcoholic fermentation takes place in cement talks and lasts for 8-12 days. High value is placed on the extraction of color and tannins from the grapes. After the fermentation, the wines are placed in oak barrels for a period of 20 to 24 months.

Style: Chateau L'Evangile is known for its highly concentrated wines that have one of the best aging potentials of all the chateaux of Pomerol. These wines are usually quite tannic in thier youth and need a minimum of 5-7 years before opening. The best years will improve for 20 years or more if properly stored.

L'Evangile wines typically deeply colored and have a bouquet of violets, rasberries and cassis. The flavors are lush and rich with a mixture of rasberry, blackberry and mineral notes.    (hide)