2020 Chateau Angelus Premier Grand Cru Classe A, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 1x750ml

Vinous 96

The 2020 Angélus has a more awkward nose than its peers, lacking the same focus and delineation. There is something Cabernet Sauvignon-like about this, though it coheres in the glass and conveys an appealing sense of classicism. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. It's a touch more ferrous than its peers but is very well balanced with a cerebral and persistent finish. This will require several years in bottle, yet it will be worth the wait. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. [Neal Martin, 11/01/2024]

Anticipated maturity: 2028-2060

Robert Parker 99

The 2020 Angelus has an opaque purple-black color, pulling you in with a captivating perfume of kirsch, Black Forest cake, ripe plums, violets and molten licorice, followed by wafts of underbrush, raspberry leaves and graphite, plus a hint of clove oil. The medium to full-bodied palate already offers beautiful balance and expression at this nascent stage, featuring bright, crunchy red and black fruits with remarkable energy and tension. Its amazingly plush, silken texture carries all these shimmering flavors to a very long and fragrant finish. This jaw-dropping expression of 2020 is simply stunning. The blend this year is 40% Cabernet Franc and 60% Merlot, due to be aged 18-22 months in French oak barriques, 100% new, and two new foudres. The wine has pH of 3.65 pH and an alcohol of 14.5%. [Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 04/25/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2027-2062