Château Angelus 2023

The 2023 Angélus has turned out very well in bottle, confirming the expectations formed at the en primeur stage. Wafting from the glass with aromas of dark wild berries, flowers and spices, subtly framed by toast, it is medium- to full-bodied, fleshy and ample, built around a lively core of fruit and framed by powdery, sweet tannins, concluding with a long, perfumed finish. The harvest took place between September 14 and October 2.

Gorgeous nose, floral and scented with roses and violets, expressive strawberries and raspberries and some herbal elements. Full and filling, but soft and smooth, almost crushed velvet in texture. It’s not so tense and straight but has a solid backbone of freshness and plush fruit while staying very cool. It’s more on the structured side than overt acidity, serious yet still with crunchy blueberries, chalky blackcurrant, and lots of graphite and minerality on the finish. Less fruit-forward than some but layered with complexity—a subtle opulence. Fleshy, ripe tannins with mouthwatering acidity add a serious edge. It’s missing that Angelus hug on the mid-palate, but I like it a lot and you can’t fault the refinement and precision on show. It’s got body, length, tannins, crunch, freshness, and a vein of minerality underpinning the expression. pH 3.65. Harvest September 14 to October 1.

The gorgeous expression of Angelus delivers a core of sweet, vibrant, elegant fruit with a beautiful sense of purity, accompanied by its racy freshness. The long, intense, balanced finish is packed with nuances of espresso, chalk, crushed stone, cherries, plums, and cocoa. There is depth and concentration, as well as a lingering sweet red-berry, spice, mint, and floral endnote that entices you to take another sip. The Cabernet Franc makes a strong impression in 2023. The wine blends 60% Merlot, with 40% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2029-2060.

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, brightening on the rim. Finely spiced black cherries, blackberries, a hint of fine oak, light floral nuances, candied orange zest. Complex, juicy, elegant with fine tannins, good freshness, pronounced fruit on the finish, mineral and long-lasting, a taut food wine full of finesse with good ageing potential. Opens a new, delicious chapter for Angelus in terms of style.

Cocoa bean, liquorice, pomegranate, smoked earth, sage, anise, fennel, slate-like tannins, this combines nuanced and sinewy tannins with a generous, supple expansion through the palate, building in power and impact. Beautifully fragrant, measured and skilful. 50% in foudres for Cabernet Franc, 50% new oak for the Merlot. Harvest September 14 through to October 1, Benjamin Laforest winemaker, Stephane de Boüard-Rivoal owner.

A lovely fresh, fruity nose, precise and elongated, nicely complex and offering depth, with an infusion-like character and a three-dimensional feel. It reveals notes of Boysenberry, fleshy, indulgent small berries and, more lightly, plump, juicy strawberry, alongside touches of juicy roasted fruit, hints of violet and blueberry, as well as a touch of cherry blossom, graphite, toast and nutmeg. The palate is fruity, nicely fresh, generous and balanced, offering suavity, fine definition, a certain creamy freshness, brightness, juiciness, precision and elegant concentration, along with a lovely stretched, thread-like drive (with finesse). Lift, brightness and attractive purity. On the palate, the wine shows notes of creamy blackcurrant, creamy blackberry and, more lightly, juicy roasted cherry, joined by touches of vibrant small blue fruits, a hint of creamy blue plum, tonka bean, sweet blond tobacco, as well as fine hints of cardamom and a subtle toasty note. The tannins are savory, mellow and deliciously generous. Very fine length.

96-98. Barrel Sample. Tobacco, spice and licorice aromas set the scene for an impressive, dense and solid wine. It has power—layers of black fruits and tannins producing a wine in total harmony. This is for serious aging.

Dark-fruited nose: blackberries, blackcurrant, cherries, a cool expression; with air, violet, lavender, cold fireplace. On the palate it is dense, compact, straight and fresh; pronounced tannins give structure, the oak is perfectly integrated, the fruit is crisp and juicy, in harmony with the tannic framework. The finish is juicy, wonderfully fresh, with very good length.