L'Evangile 1985

The 1985 L'Évangile has vied with the 1989 as the finest of the decade. It was unapologetically backward for the first two decades of its life, but now it's just everything you want from a mature Pomerol. With melted red fruit, garrigues, rosemary, thyme and hints of black truffle, the aromatics reel you in. Likewise, the palate now has exquisite balance, sensual in style and effortless with a savory, slightly meaty finish that is in a perfect place now. Just a gorgeous Pomerol. Tasted at a private dinner in Beaune.

A beautiful L'Evangile and one of the vintage's top successes, the color still retains a very dense ruby/purple with only a bit of lightening at the edge. A classic nose of liquid intermixed with black raspberries., blackberries, licorice, and a hint of truffle jumps from the glass of this medium to full-bodied, very concentrated, well-balanced, sweet, authoritatively powerful yet at the same time elegant wine. It has reached full maturity , where it should rest for some time to come. Anticipated maturity: Now-2017. Last tasted, 11/02.

L'Evangile's 1985 remains relatively unevolved and youthful. The dark ruby color exhibits no signs of age, and the hugely complex, multi-dimensional bouquet of blackcurrants, raspberries, exotic spices and oak requires coaxing from the glass. Rich, medium to full-bodied, super-concentrated, well-balanced, and tannic, this wine continues to evolve more slowly than other 1985s. Anticipated maturity: 1994-2015.