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Angelus 2008

St Emilion, Premier Grand Cru Classé A

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Tasting Notes

A stunning success, this 7,000-case blend of 58% Merlot and 42% Cabernet Franc reveals a beautiful nose of black currants, black cherries, loamy soil and forest flora. Full-bodied, this deep, chewy, savory, broadly-flavored 2008 possesses sweet tannin, decent acidity and a long finish. Its 14% alcohol content is nearly as high as the 2009's and 2010's 14.5%. Already accessible, it should continue to age effortlessly for 20-25 years.

Score: 93

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2011-2036 03 May 2011

Made from yields of 30 hectoliters per hectare, this blend of 58% Merlot and 42% Cabernet Franc exhibits an inky/blue/purple color as well as a sweet bouquet of blueberries, blackberries, camphor, forest floor, and a hint of spring flowers. Although backward, it reveals great intensity, sweet tannin, a nuanced, lively personality, full body, and a promising style. Like a lot of these wines, the score for this wine is probably low given the late malolactic fermentation as well as a later than usual blending. There have been so many great wines from Angelus since 1989 that it is hard to put the 2008 in the context of some of the other remarkable vintages. My guess is that there are five vintages that will ultimately eclipse it - 1989, 1990, 1998, 2000, and 2005, but not by much. However, the 2008 is not far off the mark of any of those legends. It should drink well for 25-30 years.

Score: 92 - 94

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2009 - 2039 30 April 2009

Deep ruby. Exquisitely perfumed nose offers ripe blackberry, violet, licorice and milk chocolate. Supple and sweet, with lively acidity that's in harmony with the wine's silky texture. Just a hint of pepper on the finish gives the suave fruit an impression of restraint. The smooth tannins and harmonious acids extend the fruit flavors on the back, where a lingering note of violet reminds one of the presence of cabernet franc.

Score: 90 - 93

Ian D'Agata, International Wine Cellar 01 May 2009

Warm, toasty nose with real juice and life to it. Relaxed winemaking. Quite a bit of force though less vibrant than the Ch Ausone I have just tasted. But good purity and not too much alcohol. Sweet and succulent - just a little hint of dry tannins on the end.

Score: 17 - 18

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2015-2027 01 April 2009

A blend of 58% Merlot and 42% Cabernet Franc, this has a deep ruby colour. This has a deep, almost savoury nose, the Cabernet Franc driving the bouquet along with touches of brambly black fruits, wet clay, a touch of spice and white pepper. Very complex. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, quite spicy on the entry, elegant, less 'slick' than recent vintages but one might argue, more 'cerebral'. Off dry, peppery finish. Very fine.

Score: 92 - 94

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 April 2009

A tobacco, berry and orange peel character. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a clean finish. Refined and balanced.

Score: 89 - 92

James Suckling, Wine Spectator 01 April 2009