2023 Château Angélus

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.

The 2023 Angelus is seriously impressive. Readers will find a wine of notable textural intensity and resonance. Dark-fleshed fruit, new leather, lavender and dried herbs race across the palate. The 2023 is pliant and expansive, with gorgeous mid-palate depth and a long, sustained finish. It was an unusual year, one marked by an early harvest for the Merlots and a late harvest for the Francs. The Merlot saw 70% new wood, while the Franc was aged in equal parts foudre and smaller French oak barrels, some new, some once-filled. This is an important vintage for the Grand Vin.

Brought up 22 months in a mix of new barrels, foudre, and once-used barrels, the 2023 Château Angelus is based on a classic blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc. Gorgeously pure crème de cassis and black cherries are supported by graphite, spring flowers, smoke, and a terrific sense of crushed stone. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate and has a pure, graceful, layered mouthfeel, ultra-fine, focused tannins, and a great finish. It's about as classy as they come. Drink this aristocratic, layered, sensationally complete Saint-Emilion from 2030-2060.