2010 Château Angélus (Ex-Château)

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.

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.

Tannins are still tightly packed, concentrated liqourice, spiced cinnamon, black cherry, raspberries, olive tapendade and black chocolate, this remains broad-shouldered and confident at 12 years old, at the very beginning of its drinking window but with years ahead of it. Two years before it was named Premier Grand Cru Classé A, and a time at the property when the wines were going from strength to strength. Harvest September 28th to October 21st. I have tasted this several times over the past few years, and it never fails to impress.