In 2012 there is only a small quantity of Blason de L’Evangile. Flowering meant there was only 31hl/ha and 73% of the crop went into the Grand Vin. The Merlot was picked between 20th September and 9th October and the Cabernet Franc from 6th to the 8th October, between which on only eight days did pickers go out with their secateurs. Of the parcels originating from their purchase of La Croix de Gay, three hectares was blended into Blason whilst one hectare situated between Lafleur and Providence was good enough for the Grand Vin. A blend of 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc, almost identical to the previous vintage and delivering a relatively high 14.4% alcohol, it has a finely tuned, forest floor-scented bouquet with crisp red berry fruit – quite conservative but showing impressive delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with a tense, saline entry. This is a typical masculine L’Evangile – broody and introspective at the moment. There are clearly sweet tannins at the core of this Pomerol legend but it will demand several years in bottle to come round. Tasted April 2013.

A wine with plenty of deep fruit, spices and hazelnut character. Lovely fruit. Full-bodied, with lovely silky tannins and a long, long finish. So much going on here. Elegance with strength and structure. 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc.

Fleshy and unctuous, with dark plum and steeped currant fruit, rounded out by a healthy dose of toast and a long, charcoal-filled finish. Shows serious weight for the vintage. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

[93M/7CF] ‘Creamy’ Merlot to smell; full, concentrated, fresh, firmly tannic; ripe and minerally to taste, the terroir very much to the fore, not that ‘fat’ or fleshy for the vintage, but long and fine, very sweet cored with a lovely, classy fruit, though the 100% new oak makes the texture just a little dry at the moment; a quiet complexity, and good length. A firm and slightly reserved style for the year (none the worse for that…), which will need a bit more time than many to mellow. Drink 2022-30+. -M.Schuster, Bordeaux Mar/Apr 2013

The 2012 is an outstanding effort displaying copious quantities of black raspberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with hints of camphor, black truffles and subtle new oak. Opulent, round and generously endowed with impressive purity as well as a forward style, it should drink well young yet age for 12-15 years. Administrator Pascal Vazart told me the rain that occurred at the end of September broke the hydric stress and drought-like conditions that had existed in this vineyard since mid-July. During that period, there was no rain, but lots of sunshine, which was beginning to cause serious issues with vineyards planted on sand and gravelly soils. The fruit for the 2012 l’Evangile was harvested between September 20 and October 9. It is composed of 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc that achieved a lofty 14.3% alcohol level. The finished pH is 3.7, which no doubt accounts for the wine’s smooth, velvety personality. No one will confuse the 2012 with their 2009 or 2010.

Creamy, plum and fruit compote nose. Palate has real weight, concentration and power - impressive. Perhaps lacks the freshness and vibrancy of VCC but a silky, glossy, focused wine nonetheless.

(93% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc. 73% of the wine went into the grand vin. 14.4% alcohol (15% in 2010, 13.9% in 2011), pH 3.7. Work in vineyard paying off: drainage for the heavy clay parts of the estate.) Rich and inky colour. Definite mineral overlay on the dark fruit, adding freshness. and there's a hint of exotic spice and delicate complexity. Dense and rich and juicy. Already harmonious though with the structure to age. Finishes fresh and refreshing, quite surprising given the alcohol. Very good length and plenty of tannin but refined in texture so will certainly become velvety. Drink 2020-2032 (JH) 14.4%