2008 Angelus

A strong effort in this under-appreciated vintage that sold for a song, the 2008 Angelus is still young and vibrant, with a dense purple color and a sweet kiss of chocolate-infused blackberries and blackcurrants. There are some floral notes, as well as forest floor and lead pencil nuances. Medium to full-bodied with ripe tannin and outstanding equilibrium and purity, this is another beauty from a much more challenging vintage. Drink now through 2030.||The Boüard family, the proprietors of Château Angelus, date from 1544 in St.-Emilion. Located on lower hillsides, with a southerly exposure, their 67-acre vineyard, composed of sandstone, limestone and clay, is planted with 47% Cabernet Franc, 50% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon.| Hubert de Boüard, who single-handedly elevated the quality from one of mediocrity (vintages such as 1978, 1982, 1983, and 1985 were disappointing), hit pay dirt with his efforts starting in 1988. Since then, there has been a remarkable succession of great wines.| Radical viticulture such as crop-thinning, shoot-positioning and the immensely labor-intensive manual destemming are employed. Both a second and third wine are made, as the selection process for Angelus is severe. All of this resulted in the 2012 Angelus being upgraded, along with Pavie, to Premier Grand Cru Classé A, joining Cheval Blanc and Ausone as one of only four estates in St.-Emilion to receive this accolade.| Aging takes place in 100% new oak for 18-24 months, after which the wine is bottled with neither fining nor filtration. | eRobertParker.com.August, 2015

Robert Parker    Score: 93/100