EVANGILE 2009

(95% merlot with 5% cabernet franc; cropped at 39 hectoliters per hectare; 14.5% alcohol, pH 3.72; 80 IPT Deep purple-ruby. Intense aromas of smoky black plum, blackberry liqueur, violets and coffee. Enters very rich and dense, showing an ultra-creamy texture to the highly concentrated flavors of blackberry jam, coffee liqueur and milk chocolate. Lively, balanced acids keep this from going over the top, and extend the flavors on the long, captivating finish. The densest, richest young L'Evangile I can remember though a touch more finesse wouldn't have hurt it any. The property of the Ducasse family since 1862, it is now part of the Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) wine empire.

An astonishing effort from the Rothschild family, the 2009 l’Evangile may be the reference point offering from this estate for decades to come. A blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc aged in 100% new oak, with 15% natural alcohol, it exhibits a sumptuous bouquet of caramels, black raspberry liqueur, blackberries, violets, graphite and truffles. Thick, viscous flavors are reminiscent of such super-ripe vintages as 1982, 1959, 1949 and 1947. The striking aromatics, massive, full-bodied mouthfeel and multilayered palate that resembles a skyscraper in the mouth offer an abject lesson in great winemaking, extraordinary terroir, and the ability to combine power with precision, elegance and freshness. This is unquestionably a huge wine, but it also possesses mindboggling complexity and finesse. Because of its sheer extract and velvety personality, it will be drinkable in 4-5 years, and will keep for four decades or more where well-stored. The most profound L’Evangile ever made?