Angelus (St. Emilion) 2012

94 pts Wine Advocate

Tasted blind as a vintage comparison at the Valandraud vertical, the 2012 Angelus has a forward and generous bouquet of mulberry, boysenberry, orange rind and slithers of tangerine. It is undoubtedly detailed and energetic, a subtle marine scent surfacing with continued aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with rounded and supple tannin, slightly honeyed in texture yet with a keen line of acidity running through it. Impressive body and mass, yet primal, surly and broody. Perhaps only now is it starting to flex its muscles. This is a well crafted and opulent Saint Emilion with a long future ahead and it may warrant a higher score in the future. Those who cellar this for over a decade will see this in full flight. Tasted December 2016.

94 pts Wine Spectator

Dark and intense, with vivid tobacco and espresso notes coursing through, while the core of dark fig, black currant and blackberry fruit sits in reserve. Extra charcoal, burnished leather and warm stone notes all add range and texture on the finish, while a bolt of iron keeps everything pinned down. Needs a bit of time to soak up its oak. Best from 2018 through 2030. 9,165 cases made.

93 pts James Suckling

Wet earth, blackberry and blue berry character on the nose. Full body, chewy tannins and a tangy finish. Needs time to soften. Tight and structured red. Better in 2018.

(91-94) pts Vinous

(55% merlot and 45% cabernet franc): Deep, glass-staining purple-ruby. Knockout nose is redolent of fresh cassis, plum, minerals and sweet, spicy oak. Dense and suave, with very precise flavors of plum, blackberry, blueberry and minerals. Finishes very long, with repeating notes of blueberry and violets and chocolatey oak. The use of oak here isn't shy, but at least the wood is well integrated. One of the better wines of the vintage. Readers probably know that Angelus was finally elevated to Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe "A" status, a testament to the work and dedication of owner Hubert de Bouard de Laforest.