Château Angélus, St Emilion, 2011
Produced from 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc from the clay, limestone and clayey-sandy-limestone vineyards below Bellevue; the 2011 Angelus is something of a Marmite wine. Those who love it will adore the brooding depth, full of liqueur fruit and minerals. On the palate it packed with concentrated black fruit; decadent, intense, svelte and savoury. Detractors may find this a touch hot, clipped and forced, but it is no doubt impressive, extracted St Emilion.
critic reviews
A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, the 2011 Angelus is medium to deep garnet in color, with a touch of brick. It opens with a very minty nose, before giving way to a core of raspberry preserves, dark chocolate, baked plums, and black cherry compote, plus hints of fertile loam and star anise. Full-bodied, the palate is bursting with mint-laced black and red berry layers, textured by plush tannins and a beguiling line of freshness, finishing long and lifted.
The 2011 Angélus has a lovely bouquet with ample red fruit, fireside hearth/ash and a touch of Earl Grey. Fine definition and lift here. The palate is very well balanced with supple tannins, fine bead of acidity, quite sensual for the growing season with a judicious plushness and a sense of breeding on the finish. Superb. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting.