Château Angélus, St Emilion, 2010
The 2010 Angelus is a blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc. Notes of coal dust and cooked meats on the nose. This is quite savoury, but there are hints of cool black fruits, morello cherries, spice and sweet earth too. This is multilayered, hedonistic, seriously intense and rich, yet there is a touch of strictness here too. Big, firm and with lots of acidity, this will be a long term Angelus.
critic reviews
Cabernet Franc dominant on the attack, leading the blue and red fruits and the floral aromatics, balanced out by a more exuberant, estate-signature cocoa bean and espresso pod, Emmanuel Fulchi technical director. This is so elegant, just a brilliant wine, with carved precise fruit, and despite the high alcohol but it is beautifully balanced, mouthwatering and perfect for sharing. 100% new oak. September 28 to October 21 for harvest, and again with a full week gap between the two varieties.
A blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc, the 2010 Angelus has a deep garnet color, with a touch of brick. It erupts from the glass with notes of black cherry preserves, molten chocolate, licorice, and plum pudding, giving way to hints of cedar chest, camphor, espresso, and clove oil. The full-bodied palate is rich and decadent, framed by velvety tannins and compelling tension, finishing very long and very spicy.
The 2010 Angélus has a well-defined bouquet with intense black cherries, boysenberry, crushed stone and pressed violet petal aromas that are focused and well delineated. Frankly, this is a step up compared to some of its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins, a superb bead of acidity, very cohesive and developing a slightly grainy texture towards the finish. Superb tension here, gentle grip with a gorgeous tarry, tobacco-tinged finish, this is a classy Angélus. Impressive. Tasted at the BI Wines & Spirits 10-Year On tasting.