Angelus 2001

A brilliant performance by Hubert de Bouard, the 2001 Angelus (6,250 cases) is a more restrained and delineated version of the 2000. It has shed much of its tannin, and seems far more evolved and open-knit than I thought prior to bottling. Its deep purple color is followed by a rich nose of creosote, charcoal, blackberries, plums, cassis, and espresso roast. Elegant, medium-bodied, and rich, with a measured ripeness and moderate structure in the pure, nicely proportioned finish, it is less massive than either the 2000 or 2003, yet is also beautifully put together. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2017.

Score: 93 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate Maturity: 2007-2017

Tasted blind at Bordeaux Index’s 10-Year On horizontal. This is very youthful and limpid in colour and sports a very modern nose: plush, luscious dark red fruits such as crushed strawberry, redcurrant and a touch of cranberry, creamy new oak. Not overbearing, this is a lovely, almost ravishing bouquet. The palate is full-bodied with a creamy, quite oaky entry, slightly lower acidity than its peers and showing less secondary characteristics. Rounded and creamy towards the plum and cranberry finish, smooth and harmonious, this is what you might describe as a 'sexy Saint Emilion'. However, it needs to develop another dimension and more character. Speaks more of the winemaking than the terroir at the moment but give it time. Tasted March 2011.

Score: 95 Neal Martin, erobertparker.com