Chateau Angelus 1er Grand Cru Classe 2021 - Saint Emilion

Chateau Angelus 1er Grand Cru Classe 2021
Saint Emilion

95 Punkte James Suckling
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.

96+ Punkte Robert Parker
A brilliant wine that signposts this estate's evolution under Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal, the 2021 Angélus is a blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot, with fully half of the old-vine Cabernet Franc maturing in foudres rather than 225-liter barriques. The result is a wine of unprecedented purity and finesse, unwinding in the glass with compelling aromas of plums, raspberries, rose petals, vine smoke, blood orange and warm spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, deep and layered palate with a rich and fleshy core that entirely conceals its structuring chassis of ultra-refined tannins. Bright and sapid, it's striking for its integration and elegance at this early stage, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it upstage a number of more touted vintages once it's in bottle.