2021 Angelus

Higher Cabernet Franc than usual, and this is strikingly pure in its aromatics, with delicous smoky oak notes. Has really grown into itself over ageing, with waves of damson, saffran, turmeric, tobacco, liqourice root, cigar box, raspberry leaf, pomegranate, rose petal, with the classic welcome of Angelus. It's serious, takes its time to open, less exuberant than the past few vintages at Angélus but classy and with presence. Last vintage labelled as Premier Grand Cru Classé A, after withdrawing from the 2022 classification. 23hl/h yield, no chaptilisation on the 1st wine, 100% new oak barrels + 30hl oak casks for the Cabernet Franc. First full vintage where Benjamin Laforet is technical director, working alongside Hubert de Bouard.
95/100 Jane Anson

A blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot, the 2021 Angelus has a medium to deep garnet-purple color. It needs a little swirling to coax out notes of wild blueberries, Bing cherries, fresh blackberries, and lilacs, leading to an undercurrent of cedar and lavender. The medium-bodied palate is tightly knit with beautiful tension defining the red berry and floral layers, complemented by a fine-grained texture, finishing long and fragrant. Wonderfully graceful!
96/100 Lisa Perrotti-Brown; The Wine Independent