Chateau Angelus, St Emilion 2021
96 POINTS: Lisa Perrotti Brown MW
95 POINTS: Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com
"Composed of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot, the 2021 Angelus is deep garnet-purple in color. Slightly closed to begin, considerable coaxing reveals scents of redcurrant jelly, black raspberries, and fresh blackberries with suggestions of crushed rocks, tar, truffles, and violets. Medium-bodied, the palate has fantastic intensity and energy, with very finely pixelated tannins and wonderful tension, finishing on a persistent ferrous note. 2027-2050."
- Lisa Perrotti Brown MW
"Higher Cabernet Franc than usual, and this is strikingly pure in its aromatics, with delicous smoky oak notes. Has really grown into itself over ageing, with waves of damson, saffran, turmeric, tobacco, liqourice root, cigar box, raspberry leaf, pomegranate, rose petal, with the classic welcome of Angelus. It's serious, takes its time to open, less exuberant than the past few vintages at Angélus but classy and with presence. Last vintage labelled as Premier Grand Cru Classé A, after withdrawing from the 2022 classification. 23hl/h yield, no chaptilisation on the 1st wine, 100% new oak barrels + 30hl oak casks for the Cabernet Franc. First full vintage where Benjamin Laforet is technical director, working alongside Hubert de Bouard."
- Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com
Under the leadership of Hubert de Bouard since the mid 1980s, Angélus has been one of the superstars of Saint Emilion, producing modern-style, deep, concentrated and ripe wines full of richness and fruit. In 2012 Angélus (along with Pavie) joined Ausone and Cheval Blanc in achieving first growth status and Hubert's daughter Stéphanie began to manage the estate. The 42 hectare vineyard is planted 50:50 Cabernet Franc and Merlot but 15 hectares are used for the second wine "Carillon" with only 27 hectares of 60-80 year old vines being used for the grand vin.
ABV: 14.5%