(89% merlot and 11% cabernet franc; 3.75 pH; 14.7% alcohol) Opaque purple-ruby. Deep, rich aromas of black plum, violet, licorice and chocolate. Extremely broad and impressively large-scaled, with almost shocking sweetness to the jammy red and black fruit flavors. This huge, extract-rich Pomerol comes across as dense and luscious, but may prove almost too much for some wine lovers. The long finish features refined, smooth tannins. I did not get to taste the estate's second wine this year, Blason d'Evangile, as only 6,000 bottles were made and it won't be offered en primeur

Deep garnet in color, the 2010 L'Evangile strides confidently out of the glass with notes of chocolate-covered cherries, vanilla pod, sweaty leather and baked plums plus hints of tobacco leaf and cinnamon stick. Full-bodied, the generously fruited palate has a lovely, plush frame with oodles of freshness and a spicy kick to the finish.