2004 Château l'Évangile

Mid crimson with some evolution. Very light, tea-leaf nose. Easy and fun though certainly not a blockbuster. Very attractive drinking for now and the medium term. Just a bit tart and skinny. (JR)

A stunning example of the vintage, the 2004 l’Evangile is not far off the pace of their brilliant 2005. A blend of 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc (3,000+ cases produced), it exhibits a deep ruby/plum color, superb ripeness, and sweet blackberry, truffle, acacia flower, licorice, and toasty oak aromas. This knock-out effort is surprisingly rich, opulent, and fruity with good glycerin, medium to full body, and a stunning finish. It should drink beautifully young yet age for 15 or more years.

Saturated ruby-red. Wild aromas of plum, cured meat, milk chocolate, smoke, mace and cinnamon stick. Sweet and opulent for the vintage, with a distinctly velvety texture to the flavors of plum, mulberry, smoked meat and exotic spices. Finishes broad and sweet, with sexy suggestions of woodsmoke, chocolate and wild herbs. I've had a soft spot for this wine from the outset.