Château L'Evangile

History of Château L'Évangile

The history of Château L'Évangile begins in the 18th century with the Léglise family, originally from Libourne, who played an active role in establishing the Pomerol vineyard. The estate first appears in the land registry in 1741 under the name of Fazilleau, but it truly came into its own in the 19th century when the lawyer Isambert became its owner and gave it its current name: Château L'Évangile.

In 1862, the estate was acquired by Paul Chaperon, who played a decisive role in the rise of Château L'Évangile. He had the majestic Second Empire-style residence built overlooking the vines, and from 1868 onwards, the estate was listed as "Premier Cru du Haut-Pomerol" in the famous Cocks Féret guide. This distinction bears witness to the exceptional quality of the wines produced at L'Évangile.

The estate remained in the Chaperon family and then in that of their heirs, the Ducasse family, until 1990, when the Ducasse family decided to sell the estate to Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite. Under this new management, significant investments were made to modernise the vineyard and winemaking facilities, while preserving the heritage and soul of the estate. The transition to organic farming, completed in 2021, marked a turning point in the recent history of L'Évangile, reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable viticulture in Pomerol.

The 2009 and 1961 vintages of Château L'Évangile received a score of 100/100 from Robert Parker. The years 1982 and 2000 follow with 98/100, highlighting the elegance and depth of this great wine.

Terroirs and Vines of Château L'Évangile

Château L'Évangile benefits from an exceptional terroir, a true geological marvel. Located on a plateau in the southeast of Pomerol, the vineyard rests on a long band of gravel, a rare geological feature in this region, which gives L'Évangile wine a unique identity.

The estate extends over 22 hectares divided into 43 distinct plots, each with its own geological characteristics. The soil is composed of different layers: at the top, swelling clays that retain water and promote the slow ripening of the grapes, then gravelly-clay textures ideal for the noble grape varieties of the region, and finally sandier soils at the lower part of the vineyard, well-suited to the development of Merlot.

The vineyard is planted predominantly with Merlot (79%), an emblematic grape variety of Pomerol that brings roundness and fruitiness to the wines. It is complemented by Cabernet Franc (20%), which adds finesse and structure, as well as a small touch of Cabernet Sauvignon (1%), used sparingly but conferring a beautiful depth to the blends.

In addition to the vines, Château L'Évangile makes a point of preserving and encouraging biodiversity. Beehives have been installed on the estate, and numerous hedgerows border the plots, creating an environment conducive to local wildlife. The estate's commitment to biodiversity and organic farming is part of a broader approach aimed at minimising environmental impact while producing wines of impeccable quality.

Winemaking at Château L'Évangile

Winemaking at Château L'Évangile draws on centuries of expertise, refined over the decades and combined with modern techniques to bring out the best in each vintage. The harvest is carried out entirely by hand, and each plot is vinified separately in order to honour the specific characteristics of each terroir. 

The grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled cement tanks, allowing perfect mastery of the fermentation process. Pump-overs and gentle macerations are carried out to delicately extract tannins and aromas, while preserving the finesse and elegance of the wine.

After fermentation, the wine is aged for approximately 18 months in French oak barrels, 70% of which are new. The use of alternative vessels, such as clay amphorae and concrete tanks, has been introduced in recent years to better preserve the identity of each vintage and offer an even richer and more nuanced aromatic palette. Malolactic fermentation, which takes place in barrels, contributes to the wine's smoothness and complexity.

All of these processes enable Château L'Évangile to produce wines of remarkable consistency, where power and elegance combine beautifully. The estate's wines are crafted to evolve favourably over time, developing exceptional aromatic complexity as they age.

The Cuvées of Château L'Évangile

Château L'Évangile produces two main cuvées: 

Château L'Évangile

This Fine Wine of Pomerol is one of the appellation's absolute benchmarks. It is renowned for its powerful structure, silky tannins, and complex bouquet of plum, chocolate, and floral notes. Each vintage stands out for a unique expression of the terroir, yet all share the elegance and depth that characterise the great wines of Château L'Évangile. This wine can be cellared for several decades, gradually revealing all of its richness and refinement.

Blason de L'Évangile:  

The estate's second wine, Blason de L'Évangile, shares many characteristics with its elder, but with a more approachable profile in its youth. Aged in barrels for a shorter period, it is less structured than the first wine, yet offers beautiful aromatic complexity with fine tannins and a seductive roundness. It is a perfect wine for those who wish to discover the style of L'Évangile without waiting many years for it to mature.

In addition to these two cuvées, the estate experiments with micro-vinifications and limited cuvées, often aged in amphorae, reflecting its avant-garde approach and its desire to innovate while respecting tradition.

Pomerol, one of the most prestigious appellations in Bordeaux, has produced some of the finest wines over the decades. The most remarkable vintages include 1970, 1975, 1982, 1983, 1989, and 1990, recognised for their complexity and longevity. Other exceptional years such as 1995, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010 continue to delight lovers of great wines. More recently, the vintages 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 have confirmed Pomerol's ability to produce wines of exceptional quality, further cementing the reputation of this appellation among the greatest in Bordeaux.

Discover the other great châteaux of Pomerol, true treasures of the Right Bank, where every estate vies for excellence. Beyond the mythical Pétrus, explore prestigious names such as Beauregard, Bon Pasteur, Clinet, Gazin, Haut Trochaud, L'Eglise Clinet, La Conseillante, La Fleur Pétrus, Lafleur, Le Pin, Latour à Pomerol, Nénin, Trotanoy, or Vieux Château Certan. These estates, often compared to the grands crus classés of Saint-Émilion, offer a unique experience, rich in finesse and character, that will delight lovers of great wines. 

Château L'Évangile is a jewel of Pomerol, where each vintage is a meticulously crafted work of art. Thanks to its exceptional terroir, its quality grape varieties, and its rigorous winemaking methods, the estate produces wines that combine power, finesse, and longevity. Whether you are a lover of great wines or simply curious, the wines of Château L'Évangile offer an unforgettable tasting experience, rich in emotion and discovery.