1995 L'Evangile (aged in 42% new oak, a bit higher than average for this property): Deep ruby-purple color. Pristine, minerally, sappy, black and blue fruit nose, with a floral, violety cabernet franc aspect. Creamy-rich in the mouth, but clearly delineated and firmly structured; offers great depth of chocolatey fruit. Great persistence on the palate, with very fine tannins currently buried in fruit. Combines the tendresse of the '85 with the tannic structure of the '89, says Marchive.

Certainly one of the better 1994 wines. A deep colour for a 1994 with very little sign of ageing. An attractive, slightly stalky nose with a touch of black truffle and decayed leaves. The palate has good definition, though muted at first and takes some coaxing. The Cabernet Franc is pronounced on the mid-palate with a savory/dried blood element. Leafy, masculine almost austere finish. Still a commendable wine. Drink now and over 5-7 years. Tasted September 2005.

One of the vintage's notable successes, L'Evangile's 1994 has a dense plum/ruby color, a sweet nose of licorice, black raspberry, and currant with a hint of roasted herbs and damp soil. Medium to full-bodied, very opulent, it has considerable richness in the front end and mid-section. Like most of the best 1994s, the one defect is the lack of sweetness and the relatively dry, tannic finish. Nevertheless, this is top-notch stuff from a vintage that provides many good surprises, although the style of the wines tend to be relatively firm, muscular, and structured. Anticipated maturity: now-2020.