Decanter | D 94
Published: Sep 28, 2020
Drink: 2022-2040

Emphasis here on the delicacy of Cabernet Franc, with more dark fruit flavours than many vintages, a little more sombre. Still very young, with tension that runs right through the palate, stretching things out and giving plenty of time for subtle hints of black truffle, saffron, cinnamon, even fig puree notes to come up into the wine, finishing with fresh eucalyptus. This is a glass that needs time; while the 2007 is ready to go, this needs a little longer to really open up. Harvest October 3rd to 21st.

Closure: Natural Cork
Alcohol: 14.00%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 38% Cabernet Franc 62% Merlot

The Wine Advocate | RP 93
Published: Aug 28, 2015
Drink: 2015-2030

A strong effort in this under-appreciated vintage that sold for a song, the 2008 Angelus is still young and vibrant, with a dense purple color and a sweet kiss of chocolate-infused blackberries and blackcurrants. There are some floral notes, as well as forest floor and lead pencil nuances. Medium to full-bodied with ripe tannin and outstanding equilibrium and purity, this is another beauty from a much more challenging vintage. Drink now through 2030.

The Boüard family, the proprietors of Château Angelus, date from 1544 in St.-Emilion. Located on lower hillsides, with a southerly exposure, their 67-acre vineyard, composed of sandstone, limestone and clay, is planted with 47% Cabernet Franc, 50% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Hubert de Boüard, who single-handedly elevated the quality from one of mediocrity (vintages such as 1978, 1982, 1983, and 1985 were disappointing), hit pay dirt with his efforts starting in 1988. Since then, there has been a remarkable succession of great wines.
Radical viticulture such as crop-thinning, shoot-positioning and the immensely labor-intensive manual destemming are employed. Both a second and third wine are made, as the selection process for Angelus is severe. All of this resulted in the 2012 Angelus being upgraded, along with Pavie, to Premier Grand Cru Classé A, joining Cheval Blanc and Ausone as one of only four estates in St.-Emilion to receive this accolade.
Aging takes place in 100% new oak for 18-24 months, after which the wine is bottled with neither fining nor filtration.  

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 16.5
Published: Mar 21, 2018
Drink: 2018-2036

Tasted blind. Dark ruby. Sweet, ripe and rich on the nose. Chewy end. Fresh and lively. But rather a sudden finish.

Angelus.com

In the last thirty years, Hubert de Boüard de Laforest has constantly challenged practices and techniques for the benefit of his land and the unique characteristics of the wines grown on it, enabling Château Angelus to be recognised as one of the foremost properties in its appellation area. This recognition has been documented in one classification after another, the last of which awarded Château Angelus the status of Premier Grand Cru Classé "A".

2008 "LE CLASSIQUE"
Since the vines were clean and disease-free, harvesting began late on 3rd October. Picking could really be carried out depending solely on the ripeness of each plot and only on fine days. The deep black Merlot with the Cabernet Franc that traditionally does so well at Angélus, produced outstandingly dense wines with thick, richly supple, round body. The aromas are reminiscent of black berries and plum as well as delicate mineral and flowery notes. Long and fresh on the palate, their concentration is expressed as a silky elegance.

Harvest: 3rd to 21st October
Blend: 58% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Franc
Drink: 2025 - 2035