Château Angélus, St Emilion, 2017

Tasting Note:

Stephanie de Bouard is definitely trying to take Angelus in a new direction, one of purity and finesse. The 2017 is unquestionably more vibrant than the old style, but it is still extremely dark and a bit brutish in a hedonistic way. Notes of coal, cooked meats, freshly ground coffee beans, dark chocolate, spice and molten rocks. It is initially dark and intoxicating, but there is some crimson fruit too and the palate is broad and ripe with cassis and pure crème de mûre flavours. There is just enough freshness and lithe fruit to keep this engaging and focussed and the tannin management is very impressive, but it feels like a step back rather than progress. Produced from 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc.