Robert Parker (94)
Medium to deep garnet in color, the 2014 Angélus needs a fair bit of coaxing to begin to reveal very pretty aromas of lilacs, kirsch, redcurrant jelly and Black Forest cake plus nuances of graphite and menthol. The palate is delicately intense with soft spoken floral and earth notes complimenting the black fruits, supported by ripe, rounded tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing long with compelling restraint. Sporting a good amount of tertiary nuances, it can be enjoyed right now, but make sure to decant it a good 1.5 to two hours prior to drinking.
Winespectator (95)
This has a dense, muscular core of warm blackberry, black currant and fig paste flavors, shrouded under a cloak of tobacco and loam. Not shy on toast and balanced by a hefty ganache edge, this isn't heady at all, just a terrific expression of the muscular, loamy style.
James Suckling (94)
Ripe damson-plum, candied-orange and spice aromas pour from the glass of this ripe and generous St.-Emilion. Impressive tannin structure behind all the richness, the bitter-chocolate and expresso notes at the warm and long finish underlining the ripe fruit very neatly. Still so much life and so many years ahead of it.
Jancis Robinson (17.50)
Tasted blind. Youthfully dark. Deep aroma of ripe, dark and just evolving fruit and a leafy edge. Rich, firm, fresh with great balance. Tannins are almost chalky but it’s a complete wine with length.
Vinous (96)
The 2014 Angélus is now really beginning to blossom. It has an outstanding bouquet with plush but delineated black cherry and cassis fruit, crushed violet and just a hint of pencil lead. There is wonderful focus here. The palate is medium-bodied with tightly knit black fruit, graphite and spice. There is weight and presence, but it is effortlessly counterbalanced by the freshness and acidity, whilst the finish if extraordinarily long. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
Rene Gabriel (18)
Rene Gabriel rates this wine 18/20 points.
BOW (8.50)
Wine Enthusiast (97)
Effectively half-and-half Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this is a tremendous wine. With very fine tannins, spice from a touch of wood and swathes of ripe fruits give this wine its concentration and its huge potential. The wine has weight and a dark, dense structure that will allow it to age for many years.
