Wine Advocate-Parker: 97+/100
'This year we have slightly less Cabernet Franc in the blend because we are only using the oldest vines, planted by my grandfather, as a tribute,' StAéphanie de Bouard-Rivoal said. 'These are 60- to 80-year-old Cabernet Franc vines.' From 2018, 10% of the entire Angelus crop will be aged in large oakfoudres. These produce tighter, more perfumed, brighter wines from less oxygen exposure, Stéphanie commented. The 2018 Angelus is blended of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc, to be aged 18-22 months in barriques, 100% new, plus two new éclairs. Deep garnet-purple in color, it slips slowly, sensuously out of the glass with beautiful black raspberries, kirsch, warm plums and red roses scents, building in intensity to reveal chocolate-covered cherries, raspberry coulis, black tea, woodsmoke and powdered cinnamon notions with a waft of black olives and charcuterie. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers a wonderfully deep, multilayered, seamless experience of red and black fruits intertwined with earth, spice and floral notions and framed by exquisitely ripe, satiny tannins, finishing with amazing freshness and length. Incredibly, finely, expertly, seamlessly knit. Stunning.