Tasting Notes
Vinous 93
Good thick red. Very ripe aromas of melting caramel, tobacco, game, cinnamon and violets. Great sweetness and spice in the mouth; dense but not quite as fat as some right-bank ’90s; very stylish, actually, with decent acids. Tannins are quite firm. As accessible as this appears to be, we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see it close up in the next 18-24 months.
JancisRobinson.com 18.5+
Very deep crimson with a fully mature rim. Rich, fruity, velvety nose that is very slightly charred and, served blind, even more obviously Pomerol than a 1990. A slightly marie/oyster shells note. Velvety texture. Punchy palate impact – no fading flower. A roasted quality with an iron/mineral streak.
Anticipated maturity: 1998-2015
Robert Parker 93
The 1990 Château L’Evangile has not been as consistent as its 1989 counterpart (see Robert Parker’s previous tasting note). Here it showed well, even if I maintain a preference for the 1989. The nose is sultry, broody and takes time to unfurl, almost reluctantly offering up sage and black truffle infused black fruit, developing a subtle aniseed-like aroma with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine but firm tannin. It is not as charming as the 1989, sweeter in the mouth, fleshier perhaps. That initial rush of black fruit is usurped by red fruit towards the finish, laced with bay leaf and a pinch of white pepper. While I would broach the 1989 now, I would be inclined to reach for the 1990 with another 3-4 years. Tasted January 2016.
Anticipated maturity: 2020-2040
