Ch. Evangile 2014
Sis. ALV 25,5%
Château L'Evangile 2014
The "Lafite of Pomerol" – Precision, Truffles, and Dark Silk
In March 2026, the 2014 Château L'Evangile has officially entered its prime drinking window. While 2014 was initially overshadowed by the "flashier" 2015 and 2016 vintages, it is now being rediscovered for its classical precision and "cool-climate" elegance. Produced by the Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) team, this wine bridges the gap between the power of Pomerol and the aristocratic structure of Pauillac.
The 2014 vintage was a "vigneron’s year," saved by a magnificent Indian Summer in September and October. At L'Evangile, this allowed for a slow, perfect ripening of the 82% Merlot, while the 18% Cabernet Franc provides the "spine" and aromatic lift that prevents the wine from feeling too heavy.
🍷 Tasting Notes (2026 Perspective)
At 12 years of age, the 2019 is shedding its primary "grapeyness" and revealing a complex, savory landscape.
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The Nose: Intense and Multi-layered. It opens with a "racing" bouquet of black cherry, blueberry, and crushed violets. As it breathes, the signature Pomerol terroir takes over: black truffle, cold stone, espresso, and a hint of Earl Grey tea.
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The Palate: Silky and Deep. The entry is "velvety and sensuous." You’ll find a concentrated core of black plums and dark chocolate, balanced by a grainy, sophisticated tannin structure. It hit 14% ABV, giving it a "hedonistic" weight, yet it remains remarkably fresh and precise.
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The Finish: Persistent and Noble. It concludes with a long, fanning finish of Asian spice, cocoa, and a touch of saline minerality, showing a persistence that can last up to a minute.
📋 Technical Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
| Grapes | 82% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc |
| Terroir | Iron-rich clay and sandy gravel (Bordering Pétrus and Cheval Blanc) |
| Aging | 18 months in French oak (100% New) |
| ABV | 14.0% |
| Wine Advocate | 95 pts (Neal Martin) |
| James Suckling | 94 pts |
| Jeb Dunnuck | 93 pts |
| Drinking Window | 2024 – 2045. It is currently at the "beginning of its peak," likely hitting its absolute zenith around 2030. |
Pro Tip
The 2014 L'Evangile is noted for its "unusual precision." Unlike warmer vintages that can be "jammy," this wine has a "stony" focus that makes it a favorite for lovers of traditional Left Bank Bordeaux.
The Serving Tip: Serve at 16°C–18°C. Even in 2026, this wine benefits from a 2-hour decant. Recent cellar notes indicate that while it's "seductive" immediately, it truly "finds its voice" and rounds out beautifully after some time in the carafe.
The Pairing:
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The "Grand Vin" Match: Its truffle and dark berry notes make it a perfect partner for Beef Wellington or Roast Duck with a cherry-balsamic reduction.
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The Earthy Match: Spectacular with Wild Mushroom Risotto or Pheasant with truffles.
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Finnish Twist: Pair it with Sautéed Elk (Hirvikäristys). The wine's structural tannins and dark fruit notes act as a mirror to the intense, gamey flavors of the elk and the acidity of accompanying lingonberries.
Wine Details
- Grape Merlot, Cabernet Franc
- Country France
- Region Bordeaux
- Producer Ch. Evangile
- Classification AC Pomerol
- Alcohol 13.0%
- Volume 750