1961 Château l'Évangile

The 1961 L'Évangile is the first of a once-in-a-lifetime septet of Pomerol from this haloed vintage. It is one that I have not tasted for over 20 years. Quite deep in color, there is thin bricking on the rim. It has an entrancing bouquet with raspberry coulis, dried violets and iodine, comparatively less mature than the 1961 VCC next to it. The palate is concentrated and powerful, a Pomerol that I suspect was not drinkable for the first decade of its life. There is a slightly viscous texture, a little candied in style, suggesting it was picked extremely ripe. Still, there remains a compelling sense of energy after more than six decades without trying to mimic youthfulness. Wonderful. Tasted at the Pomerol 1961 dinner in Hong Kong.

What a treat it is to drink the 1961 L'Evangile from magnum. Rich, intense and almost viscous on the palate, the 1961 is stunning from the very first taste. Mocha, soy, chocolate and dark spices saturated the palate in a deep, massively endowed wine. It is hard to contemplate that the 1961 is now 53 years old. On this night, the 1961 is pure magic. Even after all of these years, the 1961 boasts remarkable intensity and extract. What a thrilling wine this is.

Dark crimson with brick to orange rim. Very rich and plump and opulent. Lively, well balanced, well mannered. Not soupy. Though the tannins a little insistent. Great harmony though. Long and comforting. Just starting to decline. Lovely wine. (JR)