L'Évangile owns one of the better addresses in Bordeaux. Its vines run along the Pomerol boundary with Cheval Blanc on one side and Petrus a short walk away, on the gravel and clay that made the plateau's reputation. In 1983 the estate still belonged to the Ducasse family, who had held it since the nineteenth century; the Rothschilds of Lafite only took control in 1990.
That makes this a bottle from the old, quieter era of the property: Merlot-dominant, generous, made without the resources that arrived later. Pomerol had a warm 1983 and the wines were ripe and forward, at their best some years ago and now in the long, gentle decline that mature Merlot manages rather well.
The fill is high for the age and the label barely marked. It is an expensive-feeling gift without being an extravagant one.
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Producer: Château L'Évangile
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Vintage: 1983
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Appellation: Pomerol AOC
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Format: 75cl
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Region: Bordeaux, France
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Style: Red
Where it is likely to be now. L'Évangile 1983 is past its peak, though the vintage and the fill both work in its favour, and as with all pre-1990 bottles drinkability is not guaranteed.
Who it suits. For a forty-third birthday where the giver wants a Pomerol address, and a famous set of neighbours, without the arithmetic of Petrus.
Condition. The label shows only the faintest cellar soiling and the wine reaches the very top of the shoulder, close to the base of the neck, which is a reassuring level for a bottle this old.
Provenance. Bought to order from a professional European merchant. We check fill, label and capsule when the bottle reaches us and photograph it before it ships.
Delivered in 7 to 10 working days, tracked. Transit cover can be added at checkout.
Sold as a collectible item, as seen. No guarantee is given on drinkability.
