Blason de l'Evangile 2023

Ripe-fruited, with a peppery aroma, dark chocolate, blackberry; rich on the palate, lush, ripe fruit, fine tannins, pleasantly long, spicy finish.

Gorgeous aromatics, perfumed and lively, really scented and lifted on the nose – dark chocolate and blackcurrant. Bright and punchy, but soft and generous too, with a gravelly minerality to the tannins that gives structure and coats the mouth in a fine, powdery, chalky layer. It’s soft and caressing, not too high in acidity at all, the tannins quite present but nicely enveloping the mouth. Smooth and suave, but not too firm. I like the balance here, soft hints of herbal Cabernet mint and liquorice leave a lasting impression. A touch spicy on the finish but this is really charming in a gentle and calm way. Great stuff. Acidity doesn’t stick out, more of a Left Bank style, still with tension in the middle – it has a backbone and keeps the focus but with a gentle expansion. Ageing 20% concrete tanks, 15% new oak. pH 3.8.

Cocoa and roses, with hints of licorice, are already easy to spot on the nose. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, soft, sweet, polished, fresh, and easy to like, thanks to its creamy texture and chocolate-covered cherry character. You can enjoy this on release and over the near term while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. The wine blends 95% Merlot with 5% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2026–2037. 90–92 pts.

Good quality, well constructed, enticing floral aromatics, raspberry fruit, freshly cut herbs, a little tight on the finish; not as plush as last year’s vintage but plenty to enjoy. Almost 80% of the wine comes from the sandier soils harvested early in September, with 15% new oak for ageing and 20% kept entirely out of oak. Harvest September 4 to 28, yield 42 hl/ha, a record here in recent years — and this after green harvesting (while retaining leaf cover to guard against heat spikes). Certified organic since 2021. 15% of overall production in Blason. No need to wait too long to start drinking.

Score: 90–92. An exuberant, enveloping bouquet releasing aromas of ripe black fruits, underlined by a serious mineral note. The palate is deliciously savoury, with umami notes of soy sauce and star anise. It is true to the château’s voluptuous style, yet controlled, with a saline flair that lingers through the long finish.

The bouquet’s fruity expression heralds delightful promise, both floral and fruity! Notes of dark berries intertwine with floral scents, flower stems and peonies, with a clear focus on freshness. Slightly creamy on the attack, the wine has supple tannins. They wrap around the palate and deliver a convincing energy, together with the acidic structure. The wine is harmonious, mouthwatering and ready to be enjoyed.

A beautiful deep red color. An aromatic nose with fresh, ripe fruit, nicely supported by the oak. A hint of ink when the glass is swirled. Delicate on the attack, flavorful through the mid-palate with a fine, rounded texture, the wine develops notes of licorice and blackberries on the finish. Very hedonistic overall and hard to spit out. Enjoy it young.