Drink 2008-2016
-Parker's Wine Buyer's Guide No 7

The 1996 l'Evangile will undoubtedly be a controversial wine. The wine gives the impression of being over-extracted in its dark ruby/purple color and notes of prunes, raisins, Chinese black tea, blackberries, and cherry liqueur. It is rich and powerful, as well as tannic and disjointed, but medium to full-bodied, with excellent richness, and a long, over-ripe finish. It may take a few years to round into shape, but this could turn out to be an outstanding wine. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2016.

Excellent deep ruby. Expressive nose of black raspberry, blackberry, and violets. Larger-scaled and more powerful than the '96 but less harmonious today, with the wine acids and tannins more noticeable. Ripe notes of chocolate and leather.