2022, Château Angélus, SAINT-ÉMILION 1er Grand Cru Classé 'A'

Bordeaux Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Franc.

This estate's shift in the direction of gentler extraction and more reductive, less overtly oaky élevage continues, and this vintage only underlines that. The 2022 Angélus wafts from the glass with deep aromas of dark berries and cherries mingled with hints of iris, liquorice and pencil lead. Full-bodied, deep and seamless, with a layered core of cool, vibrant fruit, powdery tannins and a long, saline finish, it's a brilliant young wine in the making. The 2022 is a blend of 53% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. 96-98 William Kelley, Wine Advocate.

So many beautiful primary fruit aromas. Very floral. Aromatic. Full-bodied and extremely fine tannins with length and beauty that show incredible depth. Superb brightness and reality. Exciting. 98-99 James Suckling.

Precision and freshness here, with fennel, aniseed, marzipan, cassis, incense, cigar, black cherry, mint leaf and ink, with a slow build of subtle aromatics, and a cooling uplift on the finish. An exceptional wine that will reward long ageing, but captures the luscious, exuberant quality of the vintage without ever stepping over the line. 97 Jane Anson.

Deep garnet-purple coloured, it prances out of the glass with flamboyant notes of red currant jelly, wild blueberries, cassis, and candied violets, followed by suggestions of jasmine tea, star anise, and crushed rocks. The full-bodied palate is impactful from first sip, yet slowly expands in the mouth, with layer upon layer of perfumed black and red fruits, supported by super fine-grained, silk-like tannins, finishing long and achingly shimmery. 98-100 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW.

Drinking Window: 2030 - 2052