2015 L`Evangile (Pomerol)

The 2015 L`Evangile is a blend of 84% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Franc picked between September 15 and October 5, and September 29 to October 5 respectively. Matured almost in 100% new oak, it has a very pure and charming bouquet, the Merlot dominant and slightly shrouding the Cabernet Franc at the moment. It is worth staying with this Pomerol, because it does change after four to five minutes in the glass, revealing touches of truffle and iodine. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, well-judged acidity, understated on the entry but gaining momentum in the glass, retaining a wonderful sense of symmetry and finishing with precision and class. This could well be the pick of the wines from the Domaines Barons Rothschild stable in 2015 and kudos to winemaker Jean-Pascal Vazart. 96-98 points

After the slightly leaner 2014, this is a full-bodied, rich, opulent Evangile with a powerful presence of ripe tannin and freshness provided by the 16% Cabernet Franc. Weighty but refined and with staying power. 94 points

Extremely dark crimson. Floral, opulent nose. Something quite masculine and leathery - animal? - on the nose. Lots of intensity and sweetness. Almost chocolatey! Tannins not quite integrated yet, but they are quite sandpapery. A little bit of heat on the end. A wine that takes you to the limit of sweetness. 17.5 points

Rich, powerful and densely constructed, this is a super-charged Pomerol with plush, voluptuous fruit flavours, lots of toasty new oak, good concentration and a hint of figgy overripeness. The Cabernet Franc adds some much-needed freshness here. Drink: 2022-32. 94 points