2017 Angelus
By Chateau Angelus
The 2017 Angelus from Chateau Angelus, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux
In the eclectic tapestry of Bordeaux wine, the 2017 vintage at Chateau Angelus is a captivating chapter, woven with both the idiosyncrasies of the year's climatic challenges and the resilient character of Saint-Emilion's terroir. The Chateau, a standard-bearer for uncompromising quality, managed to harness the forces nature dealt in '17, producing a wine that remains a standout among its peers.
Resilience and Refinement: A Saint-Emilion Success
The 2017 vintage was far from straightforward; it bore witness to April frosts which indiscriminately tested vineyards across Bordeaux. Mercifully, Chateau Angelus' prime location on the south-facing slope of Saint-Emilion's limestone plateau proved less vulnerable. The result was a yield of remarkable concentration. This is reflected in the wine's poised expression: a testament to the mastery over such capricious weather conditions.
Investment Merit in Challenging Vintages
The allure of 2017 Angelus lies not only in its crafting but also in its investment appeal amidst other more lauded years. Where some collectors might overlook this challenging vintage, connoisseurs recognise opportunity: here we have a wine that captures the very essence of adaptability and finesse that makes Bordeaux such an investment cornerstone. It is a narrative of triumph over tribulation—a splendid addition to any cellar seeking depth and character rather than just branded vintages.
The 2017 Angelus presents itself with rich, dark fruit notes that are layered intricately with subtle herbaceous undertones—a telling signature of its vintage pedigree. There's a certain structural elegance to the tannins which are present yet refined, suggestive of excellent ageing potential.
In summate, my appraisal deems the 2017 Angelus from Chateau Angelus as one worthy of astute consideration by investors and aficionados alike. It graciously defies the restraints of a challenging season, exhibiting remarkable poise and increasing rarity - qualities that hint at not only an enduring legacy but also maturation towards becoming an essential gem within cultivated collections.
Market price (GBP)
£2,560.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
160
Scores and tasting notes
A layered and fine-grained young Angelus with very focused and integrated tannins that give the young wine form and focus. Full body and a subtle and fascinating fruit character. Should turn out beautifully.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
This is jazzed up a bit, with dark anise and black tea aromatics leading off, followed by juicy blackberry, boysenberry and bramble notes. Has some flashy spice on the finish and some expensive-feeling toast, but everything is in lockstep as this moves along.—J.M.
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - winespectator.com
A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, the deep purple-black colored 2017 Angélus is a little closed to begin, opening out beautifully to notes of baked plums, fresh blackberries and chocolate-covered cherries with hints of mocha, bay leaves, beef drippings and wood smoke plus a touch of roses. Medium to full-bodied with a great density of mid-palate fruit and firm, fine-grained tannins, it finishes long and earthy with a compelling lift.
Wine Advocate - Lisa Perrotti-Brown - robertparker.com
Composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Angélus wafts slowly, sensuously out of the glass with notes of warm red currants, Black Forest cake, blackberry compote and pencil shavings with nuances of rose oil, black tea, cloves and cumin seed. The medium-bodied palate is wonderfully elegant and refreshing, sporting very finely grained tannins and layers of red and black fruit preserves, finishing long with mineral fireworks. What a beauty!
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 15 October 2020
The 2017 Angélus has a crisp, direct and very pure bouquet that is almost Burgundy-like in style. Crushed blackberry, hints of cassis, just a suggestion of bell pepper emanating from the Cabernet Franc and a faint estuarine scent all come through although unusually for this Saint-Émilion, they take three or four minutes to coalesce. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, but quite firm in the mouth. There is a marine-influence to this Saint-Émilion with a chalky, lightly spiced and, relative to 2015 and 2016, quite conservative and linear style. It feels very saline on the finish, perhaps more than I have encountered in recent years. It foregoes the roundness of recent vintages, perchance an Angélus that will be best shown on the dinner table instead of on its own. That's not a bad thing. Excellent.
Neal Martin - Neal Martin - vinous.com - May '18
The 2017 Angélus is impeccable. Bright and energetic, with terrific lift from the 30% Cabernet Franc, Angélus is super-expressive today. There is lovely depth and density to the fruit, even if the finish narrows just a touch. In 2017 Angélus is less powerful than it typically is, with less overt oak influence. Whether or not that is a reflection of the vintage alone, or indicative of a slight evolution in style is a question that can only be answered in the future. In the meantime, there is plenty to like about the 2017. The Merlot saw 3-4 weeks on the skins, while the Cabernet was macerated about a week longer. Aging is in 100% new French oak, with slightly lower toast levels than in the past. Production will be about 20% less than normal because of frost damage.
Antonio Galloni - Antonio Galloni - vinous.com - May '18