1998 Château l'Évangile

Deep garnet-brick colored and blended of 72% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Franc, the nose of the 1998 L'Evangile has the most intensely perfumed scents of potpourri, fallen leaves, Chinese five spice, camphor and new leather over a core of crème de cassis, prunes, star anise, dusty soil and tobacco with wafts of dried lavender and cinnamon stick. Medium to full-bodied, rich and decadent in the mouth, it has layer upon layer of spice and savory notions with a plush frame and refreshing lift on the finish.

Relatively pale with a light rim. More attenuated than the Eglise Clinet. No great concentration and already quite evolved on the nose. The opposite of a blockbuster but with finesse. Quite evolved with the fruit in retreat but very harmonious already. This would make a lovely bottle for current drinking. Neat finish with medum persistence. Not as rich or sweet as the Église Clinet. (JR)

Meaty, sweet, evolved nose. Quite brutal and harsh. Utterly uncharming with very pronounced tannins. Overdone. Bit too much oak but no shortage of concentration. (JR)