99pts James Suckling

Very classy and refined with subtle complexity and linear structure. Floral and perfumed. Medium- to full-bodied. Fine velvety tannins and a bright finish. Racy and fine. Really intense. Juniper and fresh sage. Bitter lemon. Botanicals. Bright. 88% merlot and 12% cabernet franc. Drink or hold.

98pts Decanter

The sculpting of L'Evangile that began over the past few vintages continues, and the 2020 is a gorgeous wine. Pristine fruit, silky with a whoosh of menthol. It elevates over the palate, both dense and light, with blueberry and raspberry fruits, and pulses of bitter almond and honeysuckle on the finish that gives focus and spice. Juliette Couderc joined L'Evangile (from DBR Lafite's Long Dai winery) in September 2020 so for the harvest of this wine, working alongside technical director Olivier Tregoat. 50% first wine, with no Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend this year because it was so over-concentrated that it made too much impact. Increased selective harvesting meant going through vineyard plots six times to bring in the grapes as they ripened. A yield of 32hl/ha. In the final year of organic conversion, so this next vintage 2021 will be certified.
Barrel Sample: 98

98pts Wine Spectator

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2020 L'Evangile rolls effortlessly out of the glass with notions of mulberries, black raspberries and stewed red and black plums, plus suggestions of Indian spices, dusty soil and violets with a touch of iron ore. The medium to full-bodied palate possesses compelling freshness and a fine-grained texture to support the muscular black and red fruits, finishing long and earthy.
Barrel Sample: (96-98)+

97pts Jeb Dunnuck

The Grand Vin 2020 Château L'Evangile checks in as 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc, all of which was brought up in 50% new French oak, with 8% in amphora. Awesome notes of ripe black fruits, darker cherries, chocolate, spicy oak, and smoked tobacco define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a seamless, elegant, perfectly balanced mouthfeel, silky tannins, and a great finish. It's not massive yet shows the classic, balanced, elegant style of this estate today beautifully. Rating: 97+

95pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2020 L'Evangile was picked quite early, as the estate's rather young vines were suffering in the dry conditions, and the decision appears to have been judicious, as the wine has turned out very well. Wafting from the glass with aromas of dark berries, plums, vine smoke and violets, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered, with velvety tannins and an elegant, harmonious profile that avoids any excess. Best after 2025.

94pts Wine Enthusiast

A powerful expression of Merlot, this wine has a dense structure, with serious tannins and concentration. Spicy flavors and dark chocolate are set against the black fruits and final acidity. Drink from 2027.

Winemaker Notes

The initial notes offer a blend of resinous woods, especially cedar, accompanied by dark fruit such as blueberries. The palate is full-bodied and dense with good concentration on the finish, the ripe, elegant tannins ensuring a silky, voluptuous texture. Overall, the wine is characterized by superb complexity, qualifying it as a vintage of excellent quality.

Blend: 88% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc