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 actively participated in the development of 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 with 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 estate's heritage and soul. The transition to organic farming, finalised 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 100/100 from Robert Parker. The years 1982 and 2000 follow with 98/100, highlighting the elegance and depth of this grand cru.

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 south-east of Pomerol, the vineyard rests on a long band of gravel, a rare geological feature in this region, which gives L'Évangile wine its 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 gravel-clay textures, ideal for the noble grape varieties of the region, and finally sandier soils at the bottom of the vineyard, conducive to the flourishing of Merlot.

The vineyard is predominantly planted 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 which lends 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 the environmental impact while producing wines of impeccable quality.

Winemaking at Château L'Évangile

Winemaking at Château L'Évangile is founded 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 respect the specific characteristics of each terroir. 

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

After fermentation, the wine is aged for approximately 18 months in French oak barrels, of which 70% are new. The use of alternative containers, such as clay amphorae and concrete tanks, has been introduced in recent years to better respect 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 allow Château L'Évangile to produce wines of great consistency, where power and elegance combine to marvellous effect. The estate's wines are crafted to evolve favourably over time, developing exceptional aromatic complexity with age.

The Cuvées of Château L'Évangile

Château L'Évangile produces two main cuvées: 

Château L'Évangile

This Fine Wine from Pomerol is one of the appellation's absolute references. It is renowned for its powerful structure, silky tannins, and complex bouquet with notes of plum, chocolate, and flowers. Each vintage is distinguished by 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, revealing all its richness and refinement as the years go by.

Blason de L'Évangile:  

The estate's second wine, Blason de L'Évangile, presents characteristics close to its elder sibling, but with a more approachable profile in its youth. Aged in barrels for a shorter period, it is less structured than the first wine, but offers a beautiful aromatic complexity with fine tannins and a pleasing 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 traditions.

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 this appellation's reputation among the greatest in Bordeaux.

Discover the other great châteaux of Pomerol, true treasures of the Right Bank, where each 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 indeed 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 is sure to 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, high-quality grape varieties, and rigorous winemaking methods, the estate produces wines that combine power, finesse, and longevity. Whether you are a lover of grand crus or simply curious, the wines of Château L'Évangile offer an unforgettable tasting experience, rich in emotion and discovery.