Since Stéphanie de Bouard took control at Angelus, we’ve seen a subtle shift in winemaking, resulting in a string of excellent wines. It’s not that Hubert was doing anything wrong, after all, he’s one of the most celebrated winemakers in the world, it’s just his daughter has fine-tuned things, bringing a new level of precision and detail. Angelus possesses a natural power that needs to be controlled. The 2020 is a classic case of less is more; less dense and massive, but more vibrant, more elegant, more ethereal. The new style of Angelus is elevated and refined, fully deserving of its position amongst the Premier Grand Cru Classe ‘A’s of St Emillion. 2020 is amongst their finest wines to date marrying the natural luxuriant, intense fruit with a detail and finesse to the tannic structure – it is a staggeringly beautiful example.
Gerard Perse has released Chateau Pavie onto the market. Unfortunately, we were not able to taste the 2020, however, the critics are unanimous in their praise. James Lawther MW describes it as “One of the best yet”. High praise for a chateau that already boasts five 100 point scores from the Wine Advocate since the turn of the century. It would seem that gentler extractions and more emphasis on precision are the order of the day here too.
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“This is wonderfully refined and balanced with such pretty depth. Full-bodied and so polished and pure. Subtle at first, then it takes off and keeps coming. Sophisticated. 60% merlot and 40% cabernet franc. 98-99/100” – James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com
“Supple damson fruits, I love the aromatics on this and the striking fruits. Silky in texture, balanced and elegant, there are big tannins that slowly but surely creep up on you through the palate. This is a sleek, poised, and confidently-constructed Angélus, with depth to the olive, chocolate, cassis body and a crushed mint leaf kiss on the finish. As often with this vintage it is not an exuberant hug, it is more about discreet power and gorgeous stealing-up of flavours and textures giving depth and subtle power. 3.62pH, aged in large sized oak casks and oak barrels. A yield of 37hl/ha. Drinking Window 2028 – 2048. 97/100” – Jane Anson, Decanter.com
“Deep purple-black colour. As in 2019 the power inherent but an extra edge of refinement. Ripe but aromatically engaging with floral, dark-fruit and chocolate notes. Beautiful texture with depth of fruit and the tannins velvety and fresh providing solid structure and drive on the finish. Classic Angélus with a little more precision and polish. Drink 2028 – 2045. 18/20” – James Lawther MW, Jancisrobinson.com
Pavie
“The aromas are already exceptional, showing crushed-stone, limestone and salt character to the dark fruit and bark. It’s full-bodied, yet agile. Floats on the palate, then kicks in with loads of ultra fine tannins. The intensity and verve of this wine promises true greatness. 99-100/100” – James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com
“The Cabernets dominate the blend on the aromatics, and you can really see they are moving the needle on the architecture and sculpting of this wine. A ton of concentration on the nose and upfront, but it is well balanced by damson and blackberry, and has a sense of energy, uplift and clear minerality. This shows the limestone terroir in a way that, with the best will in the world, the more concentrated style of Pavie just didn't do. There is density and glamour, with layers of black chocolate, graphite and liquorice. It is pretty disarming overall, and will age extremely well. 3.61pH. A yield of 31hl/ha, average age of vine 49 years. 75% new oak. Drinking Window 2027 – 2044. 97/100” – Jane Anson, Decanter.com
“Power and elegance combined. Deep purple-black colour. Intensity and complexity on the nose with dark fruit, cassis, mint and floral notes. Beautifully poised on the palate with smooth attack and persistent fruit and freshness. Powerful tannic frame but tannins really fine and no extraction. Long, persistent finish. Absolute precision. More than highlights the change in style. One of the best yet. (JL) 14.8%. Drink 2030 – 2050. 18/20” James Lawther MW, Jancisrobinson.