2008 Ch Angélus 1er Grand Cru Classé St Emilion
En Primeur
Producer: Château Angélus
Region: Bordeaux > St Emilion
Vintage: 2008
Type: Red
Grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Drinking dates: 2015 - 2032
Tasting Notes
- Robert Parker, April 2009, Score: 92-94
- Made from yields of 30 hectoliters per hectare, this blend of 58% Merlot and 42% Cabernet Franc exhibits an inky/blue/purple color as well as a sweet bouquet of blueberries, blackberries, camphor, forest floor, and a hint of spring flowers. Although backward, it reveals great intensity, sweet tannin, a nuanced, lively personality, full body, and a promising style. Like a lot of these wines, the score for this wine is probably low given the late malolactic fermentation as well as a later than usual blending. There have been so many great wines from Angelus since 1989 that it is hard to put the 2008 in the context of some of the other remarkable vintages. My guess is that there are five vintages that will ultimately eclipse it - 1989, 1990, 1998, 2000, and 2005, but not by much. However, the 2008 is not far off the mark of any of those legends. It should drink well for 25-30 years. Drink: 2009 - 2039
- Jancis Robinson, April 2009, Score: 17.5
- Warm, toasty nose with real juice and life to it. Relaxed winemaking. Quite a bit of force though less vibrant than the Ch Ausone I have just tasted. But good purity and not too much alcohol. Sweet and succulent - just a little hint of dry tannins on the end.
- Wine Spectator, April 2009, Score: 89-92
- A tobacco, berry and orange peel character. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a clean finish. Refined and balanced.
St Emilion
South of Pomerol lies the medieval, perched village of St Emilion. Surrounding this village are vines that produce round, rich and often hedonistic wines. Despite a myriad of soil types, two main ones dominate - the gravelly, limestone slopes that delve down to the valley from the plateau and the valley itself which is comprised of limestone, gravel, clay and sand. Despite its popularity today, it was not until the 1980s to early 1990s that attention was brought to this region. Robert Parker, the famous wine critic, began reviewing their Merlot-dominated wines and giving them hefty scores. The rest is history as they say. Similar to the Médoc, there is a classification system in place which dates from 1955 and outlines several levels of quality. These include its regional appellation of St Emilion, St Emilion Grand Cru, St Emilion Grand Cru Classé and St Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé, which is further divided into "A" (Ausone and Cheval Blanc) and "B" (including Angélus, Canon, Figeac and a handful of others). To ensure better accuracy, the classification is redone every 10 years enabling certain châteaux to be upgraded or downgraded depending on on the quality of their more recent vintages.
Château Angélus
Owned by the de Bouard de Laforest family for years, it is only since the mid 1980s that this château has truly hit its potential. Hubert de Bouard, with the assistance of consulting oenologist, Michel Rolland, is making some of the finest wines in St Emilion. The château is particularly notable for producing excellent wines even in challenging vintages which for many is the true testament of quality.
Merlot / Cabernet Franc / Cabernet Sauvignon
The three classic Bordeaux grapes in a combination favoured on the Right Bank of the river, where Merlot thrives. It's ripe, soft fruit and texture is well-balanced by the firmer tannins and distinctive currant fruit of the Cabernets. Notable wines made from this blend are Angelus and Vieux Chateau Certan.
People who bought this wine also bought
Be the first to buy a related product
duty and VAT. Payment of duty and
VAT is deferred until delivery.
Duty Paid ex VAT: Prices shown include UK duty but exclude VAT. Wines for immediate delivery must be purchased duty paid. VAT will be added to your invoice.
Duty Paid inc VAT: Prices shown include UK duty and VAT. Wines for immediate delivery must be purchased duty paid.
READ MORE >>>
duty and VAT. Payment of duty and
VAT is deferred until delivery.
Duty Paid ex VAT: Prices shown include UK duty but exclude VAT. Wines for immediate delivery must be purchased duty paid. VAT will be added to your invoice.
Duty Paid inc VAT: Prices shown include UK duty and VAT. Wines for immediate delivery must be purchased duty paid.
READ MORE >>>
Promotions &
Bin ends
Hanzell Vineyards: Latest Releases
Hanzell's 2009 Chardonnay and 2007 Pinot Noir deliver Burgundian Grand Cru quality with California fruit appeal and are well worth discovering.
Piedmont: The Burgundy of Italy
The latest releases from four brilliant Barolo producers: Revello, Pira, Cavallotto and new recruit, Elio Grasso.