Chateau Angelus, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2010

A blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc, the 2010 Angelus has a deep garnet color, with a touch of brick. It erupts from the glass with notes of black cherry preserves, molten chocolate, licorice, and plum pudding, giving way to hints of cedar chest, camphor, espresso, and clove oil. The full-bodied palate is rich and decadent, framed by velvety tannins and compelling tension, finishing very long and very spicy.

Still youthful with a deep ruby hue, the 2010 Château Angelus is brilliant stuff and unquestionably ranks with the finest vintages of this cuvée, even if I still have a slight preference for the 2009. Classic Angelus aromatics of darker fruits, leafy tobacco, flowers, graphite, and truffly earth all emerge from the bouquet. It's big, rich, and full-bodied on the palate, yet it never puts a foot wrong and is flawlessly balanced, with ripe, building, unquestionably present tannins and a gorgeous finish. Tasted from multiple bottles, this majestic, utterly seamless, deep, layered beauty has some accessibility today yet will unquestionably cruise for another 30 years if well stored. Drink 2026-2056.

Blackberry and plum character with chocolate, too. Oyster shell. Full and very firm with a linear sensibility. Tight and powerful. Very pure fruit. Tension and energy there. Polished tannins. Some coffee bean and chocolate. Give this at least five or six years. 60% merlot and 40% cabernet franc. Try after 2028.

An absolutely spectacular wine from this estate, run with meticulous precision by Hubert de Bouard, the opaque bluish/purple 2010 Angelus offers up a beautifully sweet smorgasbord of aromas ranging from blueberry pie to espresso roast, white chocolate, creme de cassis, licorice, truffle and a touch of lead pencil shavings. There is even a floral underpinning to this extraordinary, highly-scented, full-bodied wine. Rich, layered and built like a skyscraper, this multi-dimensional Angelus has lavish concentration and moderately high tannin, but it is sweet and well-integrated, as is the oak. Just enough acidity provides focus and delineation to this exceptionally well-endowed wine, which should hit its prime in 7-10 years and last 30-40.
98)

A blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc cropped at 32 hectoliters per hectare, the 2010 may not hit the peaks of the extraordinary 2009 or 2005, but it is another fabulous wine from proprietor Hubert de Bouard. It boasts an inky/blue/purple color along with abundant aromas of acacia flowers, blueberry liqueur, black raspberries, licorice and subtle toasty oak in the background. A notion of graphite emerges as the wine sits in the glass, which tends to be a characteristic of Angelus. Long, rich, dense and full-bodied with high but well-integrated tannins, it will rival the 1989 and 1990 as well as the 2009 and 2005 as one of the finest wines made at this estate. At present, the 2009 has a slight edge because of its more sumptuous texture. Nevertheless, the 2010 is a great wine with a future of at least 30 years!
94-96+)

Cabernet Franc dominant on the attack, leading the blue and red fruits and the floral aromatics, balanced out by a more exuberant, estate-signature cocoa bean and espresso pod, Emmanuel Fulchi technical director. This is so elegant, just a brilliant wine, with carved precise fruit, and despite the high alcohol but it is beautifully balanced, mouthwatering and perfect for sharing. 100% new oak. September 28 to October 21 for harvest, and again with a full week gap between the two varieties.

The 2010 Angélus has a well-defined bouquet with intense black cherries, boysenberry, crushed stone and pressed violet petal aromas that are focused and well delineated. Frankly, this is a step up compared to some of its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins, a superb bead of acidity, very cohesive and developing a slightly grainy texture towards the finish. Superb tension here, gentle grip with a gorgeous tarry, tobacco-tinged finish, this is a classy Angélus. Impressive. Tasted at the BI Wines & Spirits 10-Year On tasting.