The 2017 L’Evangile is picked from 4 September to 3 October. There is no Cabernet Franc since it was frosted over (50% of the vineyard) and so Jean-Pierre Vazart said it is missing some of its power. He marked all the vines with different colors to indicate those affected so that none of the second-generation fruit was used for the Grand Vin. Yields came in at 20hl/ha and it is matured in 100% new oak. It has a deep inky purple hue. The new wood comes over quite strongly as it often does, perhaps missing the Cabernet Franc component to support that level of wood? There are light floral scents: wilted iris and violet that spring up with aeration although I would still like to see more terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, mocha and dark chocolate on the entry with a fine bead of acidity. But I have a nagging question of whether a more prudent approach to the new oak might have engendered a more endearing L’Evangile, I was a bit disturbed by the level of wood tannin on the finish. I will be more than happy to upgrade my score if the tannin will be absorbed during élevage and with bottle age and I will be more than happy to upgrade my score. 90-92 points

The Blason is a 50/50 blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, taking a month, from 4 September to 3 October, to pick due to 50% of the vines being affected by frost, which cut yields and delayed ripening - the optical sorter came in useful to identify the best bunches. This has good freshness and a sense of energy, with bright cherry fruits. The yield for the frosted vines was down to 4hl/ha, and on the non-frosted vines it was 40hl/ha, giving a final yield of 21hl/ha. 90 points

Unusually, 100% Merlot because of frosted Cabernet Franc. At the time of tasting this wine en primeur, they had not decided if there would be a second wine (Blason), explained operations manager Jean Pascal Vazart. Very dark crimson. Dark, savoury and a touch meaty – beefy. A hint of oak char. Very ripe and spicy fruit flavours, even a hint of dried fruit. Structured and muscular. Compact tannins – smooth but a touch chewy. Savoury, rather than fruity, and firmly dry on the finish. 16.5 points

The 2017 L`Evangile is deep garnet-purple in color, featuring a profoundly scented nose of plum preserves, smoked meats, chargrill and cigar box with touches of licorice, tapenade, tar and truffles plus an earthy waft of underbrush. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a lovely purity of black and blue fruits, accented with baking spice notions and framed by plush tannins that offer just the right amount of provocative grip, finishing long and earthy. 93-95 points