2010 Angelus
By Chateau Angelus
The 2010 Angelus from Chateau Angelus, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux
In the pantheon of Saint-Emilion vintages, the handcrafted wonders of the 2010 Angelus certainly holds a vaulted position. A season marked by an impeccable balance of climatic conditions has bestowed upon this wine an enviable structure that promises remarkable longevity and complexity in the glass. Let us delve into this magnificent offering from one of Bordeaux's most illustrious estates.
Vintage Positivism: An Elite Investment Prospect
There exists a harmonious blend of ripe fruit and backbone tannins that typifies the 2010 Angelus, revealing the precision that year's season—a cool spring followed by a measured ascent into summer warmth, tempered by night-time coolness intrinsic to Saint-Emilion's terroir. The result is a rich tapestry; the voluptuous Merlot melded with Cabernet Franc's aroma and silkiness, a marriage conjured with meticulous attention by Chateau Angelus' adept hands.
A Symphony of Elements: Crafting the 2010 Narrative
What sets apart this chapter in Angelus' storied legacy is its perfectly pitched echo of tradition and innovation—a seamless integration of vineyard prowess with state-of-the art vinification practices. Throughout my four decades chronicling this region’s liquid lore, rare have been the occasions to witness such a compelling reconciliation of power with elegance.
The nose is an opulent bouquet of black cherries, plum preserves and subtle tones of earthiness, while on the palate, there unfolds a vivid medley of dark fruit compote edged by hints of tobacco and anisette. Tannins, though assertive, remain polished—a hallmark of astute ageing potential.
In contemplation, it is wines like the 2010 Angelus from Chateau Angelus that underscore why we covet Bordeaux's right bank. With its dignified constitution and layered depth, investors and connoisseurs alike intuit its stature as one of the finer custodians for their capital. I find it not only investable but ingrained with the soulful essence that belongs solely to this esteemed pocket of France.
Market price (USD)
$4,490.00
12x75cl
Highest score
99
POP score
193.68
Scores and tasting notes
The nose is impressively rich with an opulence and sexiness with earth, berry, spice and chocolate character. Black truffles! Full body, with seamless tannins and beautiful richness. It goes on for minutes. The layers of fruit and ripe tannins are phenomenal. This is the greatest Angelus ever for me. Try in 2018.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, November 14th 2013
The deep garnet colored 2010 Angélus is an atomic bomb of powerful fruit scents from the moment the cork is pulled! Boysenberries, stewed plums, blackcurrant cordial and black raspberries all burst from the glass, followed up by nuances of tar, star anise, mocha and unsmoked cigars plus a waft of camphor. The big, rich, full-bodied palate is built like a brick house, featuring super firm, ripe, grainy tannins and tons of freshness to support the taut, muscular black fruits, finishing very long and savory. It's starting to enter its drinking window, but based on this tasting, I would recommend waiting another 3-5 years before broaching and then drinking it over the next 40+ years.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 22 October 2020
A blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc cropped at 32 hectoliters per hectare, the 2010 may not hit the peaks of the extraordinary 2009 or 2005, but it is another fabulous wine from proprietor Hubert de Bouard. It boasts an inky/blue/purple color along with abundant aromas of acacia flowers, blueberry liqueur, black raspberries, licorice and subtle toasty oak in the background. A notion of graphite emerges as the wine sits in the glass, which tends to be a characteristic of Angelus. Long, rich, dense and full-bodied with high but well-integrated tannins, it will rival the 1989 and 1990 as well as the 2009 and 2005 as one of the finest wines made at this estate. At present, the 2009 has a slight edge because of its more sumptuous texture. Nevertheless, the 2010 is a great wine with a future of at least 30 years!
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #194 May 2011
Tasted at the chateau. Bottled in September, this sample was opened an hour before and decanted upon my request to allow it to settle as much as possible. The 2010 is a blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc raised entirely in new oak for around 21 months. The nose is very pure and nicely defined, the fruit very concentrated and handling the alcohol well (15.6%). The palate is full-bodied with firm, very structured tannins. There is plenty of dense dark cherries, creme de cassis and boysenberry fruit with a touch of spice. Like Troplong-Mondot, it is towards the finish where the alcohol becomes tangible – begins to nag, which makes me worry that the wine might become fatiguing in quantity. Tasted November 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Mar 2013