A night like this is what pulls me out of the wine funk I’ve been in lately — and I am so glad I opened this bottle.
After 2.5 hours in the decanter, the 2012 L’Évangile still carries much of that velvety, mouth-coating texture, but the acidic grip at the finish makes clear it’s ready for food. Earthy black truffle, dark fruits, plum skin, sandalwood, espresso bean, and lavender dominate. What I truly love is the dichotomy: a gorgeous, silky mouthfeel against a crisp finish where the tannins are just beginning to round their edges, with an acidic backbone that cleanses the palate beautifully.
Paired with an absolutely gorgeous Flannery Library 10oz New York Strip — and for those who missed yesterday’s email, apparently those sold out in minutes. Don’t wait next time. I did, and now I’m on the sidelines until the next release. The steak, on its own, was a top-3 I’ve ever had. Reverse sear at 225°F in the oven (the whole house filled with what I can only describe as “beef donut” aromas), rested 10 minutes, then finished on the infrared burner on the Hestan, rested another 5, sliced and served.
The L’Évangile was as perfect a pairing as I could have imagined — and yet I found myself enjoying it even more on its own, which for Bordeaux is an extreme rarity in my experience. These wines typically scream for food, especially a pairing this ideal. That it could stand so beautifully alone says something special about this bottle.
