17 Rene Gabriel
00: Tiefes, sattes Purpur mit violetten Reflexen. Schwarzes Holunder- und Brombeerenbouquet; feingliedrig, Black Currant, eine defensive Süsse darin, Jasmin- und Früchtetee. Im Gaumen weich, samtig; eine Textur wie Seide, mittelgewichtig, ein herrliches, samtiges, blaubeeriges Grundspiel, Heidelbeeren- und Kandisnoten im eleganten, saftigen, nach frischen Pflaumen schmeckenden Finale. Ein Evangile auf der feinen, schlanken Seite, ohne viel Druck. 17/20 2004 – 2013
17 Rene Gabriel
00: Tiefes, sattes Purpur mit violetten Reflexen. Schwarzes Holunder- und Brombeerenbouquet; feingliedrig, Black Currant, eine defensive Süsse darin, Jasmin- und Früchtetee. Im Gaumen weich, samtig; eine Textur wie Seide, mittelgewichtig, ein herrliches, samtiges, blaubeeriges Grundspiel, Heidelbeeren- und Kandisnoten im eleganten, saftigen, nach frischen Pflaumen schmeckenden Finale. Ein Evangile auf der feinen, schlanken Seite, ohne viel Druck. 17/20 2004 – 2013
89 Robert Parker
The dark purple-colored 1999 L'Evangile is a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. It reveals an unexpected touch of herbaceousness, which cost it a point or two in the ultimate rating. Nevertheless, the striking, evolved, hedonistic perfume of melted licorice intermixed with black raspberries, minerals, and truffles is an intellectual turn-on. This is a beautiful, medium to full-bodied L'Evangile with a sweet attack and mid-palate. It may merit a higher score, depending on its evolution. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2015.
89 Wine Spectator
Offers fresh herb and sweet berry, with sliced plum, too. Full-bodied, featuring silky tannins and a chewy finish. Still tannic. A little aggressive. Needs some more bottle age.—'89/'99 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2009). Best after 2011. –JS
89 Robert Parker
The dark purple-colored 1999 L'Evangile is a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. It reveals an unexpected touch of herbaceousness, which cost it a point or two in the ultimate rating. Nevertheless, the striking, evolved, hedonistic perfume of melted licorice intermixed with black raspberries, minerals, and truffles is an intellectual turn-on. This is a beautiful, medium to full-bodied L'Evangile with a sweet attack and mid-palate. It may merit a higher score, depending on its evolution. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2015.
89 Wine Spectator
Offers fresh herb and sweet berry, with sliced plum, too. Full-bodied, featuring silky tannins and a chewy finish. Still tannic. A little aggressive. Needs some more bottle age.—'89/'99 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2009). Best after 2011. –JS
88 Vinous
The 1999 L’Evangile is a vintage that winemaker Jean-Pascal Vazart opined was made to be drunk – no vin de garde. At 20 years of age, the bouquet is certainly mature, with truffle and morels infusing the red and black fruit, and becoming quite tarry with aeration. The balanced but simple palate is medium-bodied with quite rustic tannin, fleshy in style, supple but missing the density and complexity of the finest vintages that Vazart has overseen in recent years. 13.2% alcohol. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the estate.
88 Vinous
The 1999 L’Evangile is a vintage that winemaker Jean-Pascal Vazart opined was made to be drunk – no vin de garde. At 20 years of age, the bouquet is certainly mature, with truffle and morels infusing the red and black fruit, and becoming quite tarry with aeration. The balanced but simple palate is medium-bodied with quite rustic tannin, fleshy in style, supple but missing the density and complexity of the finest vintages that Vazart has overseen in recent years. 13.2% alcohol. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the estate.
