L'Evangile 1961 (1.5L)

99-100 RP / 98 AG / 97 VM / 18.5 JR

The 1961 possesses a huge nose of coffee, sweet, jammy, black fruits, buttered nuts, and truffles. The syrupy texture, and fabulous concentration, viscosity, and richness were unbelievable. Given its port-like richness, this full-bodied, massively endowed, fully mature wine is reminiscent of the great 1947. Interestingly, Madame Ducasse told me that two-thirds of the vineyard was replanted in 1957, so 66% of the blend is from 3-year old vines! Readers who are fortunate enough to have bottles of this nectar should plan on drinking it over the next 10-15 years. - Robert Parker

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. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

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.  June 2024 -- Neal Martin, Vinous Media