2012 Angelus
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Tasting notes
If any wine in the tasting fits the 'exuberant' personality of a Year of the Dragon wine, it is this Angélus 2012 that is barely getting out of the starting gates at 12 years old. Confident and powerful, with supple tannins that are still holding the dominant blackberry, damson, pomegranate and grilled sandalwood character in line. As things open, smoked vanilla bean, espresso, tuermic, black chocolate and orange peel join them, layered and complex. Will benefit from another five years in bottle before reaching its full drinking window, or give it a good long carafe. This was the year that Angélus was promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé A, a position that would only last a decade until they withdrew from the classification in 2022. Hubert de Bouard owner, Emmanuelle Fulchi techincal director.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Angélus has a fragrant bouquet: a mixture of red and black fruit, truffle, crushed stone and light wilted flower scents. Very pretty. The palate is medium-bodied with fine delineation and good acidity, quite sappy with modest depth. Fairly structured with a dash of white pepper and peppermint on the finish. This Angélus has tons of personality and is drinking well now. Tasted twice at Bordeaux Index's Ten Year-On tasting and blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting.
Tasted blind. Deep glowing crimson. Blackish crimson. Rather exotic, Merlot-dominated nose with a certain inky freshness. Some lusciousness and some Cabernet fragrance. Good tannin management though there is a light dustiness on the end. Ch Angélus ? (JR)
Sweet and thick with much less refreshment than Cheval Blanc tasted alongside – but flashy! Oak tannins in evidence. (JR)
About the producer
Ch. Angélus is one of Saint-Emilion's finest properties. Ch. Angélus is one of the few Saint-Emilion properties today that has remained under family ownership since its inception over 237 years ago.