A blend of 76% Merlot and 24% Cabernet Franc representing 20% of the crop, this has a very rounded, supple bouquet, a lot of creamy new oak at the moment, with notes of blackberry, briary, crushed stone and a touch of cedar lent by the Cabernet, then a touch of mint. The palate is medium-bodied with touches of mint chocolate on the entry, very lively, quite linear at the moment, slightly grainy tannins with a touch of espresso interlacing the black fruits on the tannic, off-dry finish. A little serious this year. Tasted April 2010.

The finest second wine l’Evangile has ever made, the 2009 Blason de l’Evangile is primarily made from Merlot blended with about 25% Cabernet Franc. It is a wonderfully expressive, earthy Pomerol offering notes of red and black fruits, new saddle leather, roasted coffee and a touch of underbrush as well as unsmoked cigar tobacco. Already delicious, this evolved beauty should last for another decade.

After tasting the finest second wine ever made here, the 2009 Blason de l'Evangile, I should have been smart enough to realize that this was a key to understanding what l'Evangile had done. Composed of 76% Merlot and 24% Cabernet Franc, it is an opulent, intense, outstanding claret that will provide gorgeous drinking for 10-15 years. It is amazing that these lots did not make it into the grand vin. (Tasted once.)