1985 Château l'Évangile
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Tasting notes
The 1985 L'Évangile has vied with the 1989 as the finest of the decade. It was unapologetically backward for the first two decades of its life, but now it's just everything you want from a mature Pomerol. With melted red fruit, garrigues, rosemary, thyme and hints of black truffle, the aromatics reel you in. Likewise, the palate now has exquisite balance, sensual in style and effortless with a savory, slightly meaty finish that is in a perfect place now. Just a gorgeous Pomerol. Tasted at a private dinner in Beaune.
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Fully mature with nice sweet, lively fruit in the middle but it is drying on the finish. I suspect it is past its best. (JR)
Extremely deep colour. Similar still-crimson hue to the 1990 but even deeper. Less heavy than the 1990 with more obvious acidity – that streak of refreshman that can be excessive in mnay 1985s now serves this rich style of wine particularly well. Less opulent than the 1990 but a more complete, slightly better balanced wine. Wonderfuly sleek with a beginning, middle and end to the tasting experience. (JR)
Deep crimson ruby with some brick rim. Lively, quite bracing acidity and herbaceousness on the nose. Drying out. Not enough fruit left on the palate. Quite a disappointment. Furry tannins. Quite stern and chewy, though in the middle is a whack of really ripe fruit. Thinning towards the end. (JR)
About the producer
Ch. l’Evangile is a leading Pomerol estate and the Right Bank sibling of Ch. Lafite Rothschild, part of the prestigious Domaines Barons de Rothschild group.