Tuesday 16 April 2019

A surprise early release today from Saint Emilion First Growth Chateau Angelus, setting the tone for the campaign by releasing at the same (Euro) price as the 2015.  10% cheaper than the 2016 with equally superb quality (and the same 99-100 barrel score from James Suckling). This is the elite; Angelus have made a gorgeous and glamorous wine marrying power with lustrous tannin and appealing freshness.  One of the best vintages yet here.

The release of Angelus follows the release of other wines from the de Bouard family stable, including Carillon the second wine of Angelus, the very good value Fleur de Bouard from Lalande de Pomerol and the small production cuvée Plus de la Fleur de Bouard - 100% Merlot, just a few hundred cases made from a single parcel of very low-yielding, old vines.

Also a contender for one of the best value Bordeaux 2018 for high quality at a fair price:  Tour Saint Christophe has been gaining recognition in the last few vintages, with high scores and the 2018 receives 96-97 points from James Suckling.  This success follows a change of ownership in 2012.  Well-situated due east of Saint Emilion village near Troplong Mondot on limestone soils, the vineyard has also been restored (including a section of dry stone narrow terraces, unique in Saint Emilion).  Intense but with good freshness in 2018. 

Prices

ANGELUS 2018  |   £1530 per 12x75
99-100 JS  - Incredible fruit quality. 
98 Dec  - It's gorgeous and will make you smile with its mouthwatering finish.  

CARILLON D'ANGELUS    |   £948 per 12x75
94-95 JS - This is a really together second wine of Angélus with a tight and focused center palate of blackberries and hints of chocolate and hazelnuts.

FLEUR DE BOUARD   |   £235 per 12x75
92-93 JS  -  This is very compact and tight with fantastic density that is really compressed. It gives a really creamy texture to the tannins and the blackberry, blueberry and walnut undertones.

PLUS de la FLEUR DE BOUARD 2018  |   £435 per 6x75
94-95 JS  -   This is always an impressive selection of old vines that delivers depth and authenticity. Full and layered with fantastic fruit and polished tannins. Mushroom and bark undertones. Dense and energetic.

TOUR SAINT CHRISTOPHE 2018  |   £265 per 12x75
96-97 JS  -  Blueberry and blackberry character with hints of white pepper and chalk. Salty, too. Full-bodied, tight and polished with fantastic texture and length. Very closed and tight with gorgeous tannin quality.  

For more information or to place an order, please call on 01223 849040 or email us  (finewine@albanyvintners.com)