2002 Chateau L'Evangile, Pomerol

Good deep ruby-red. Currant, roasted plum and oak notes of chocolate and coconut on the nose. Then bright, pure and atypically powerful, with penetrating berry and mineral flavors. This densely packed wine was still in barrel and had not yet been fined. Builds impressively on the finish, showing rather fine-grained tannins and lingering fruit and mineral nuances.

A successful wine for a Right Bank Pomerol, this is an elegant but strongly constituted, medium-bodied L’Evangile with a deep ruby/purple-tinged color, sweet blackberry, raspberry notes, with a distinctive earthiness, medium body, surprising potency (13.8% alcohol) and a long finish with sweet tannin. The blend in 2002, according to Jean Pascal Vazart, was 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc. The tannins are sweeter than I would have thought, so I suspect this wine will drink well early, but have good keeping qualities. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2017.

Rich and animal and evolved. Lots of acidity. Long. But a bit bloody and open. Pleasure but perhaps not for the very long term. Vibrant finish. (JR)