Grapelive Daily Pick
By Kerry Winslow
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2000 Chateau L’ Angelus Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe Red Bordeaux, France.
I was very excited to get a chance to try this Angelus as I’m a huge fan of Cheval Blanc from just down the way, and I was not at all disappointed with this top class Bordeaux. L’ Angelus has divided the wine critics, because of its modern styling, but I found it full and rich with sublime elegance and length, plus wonderful complexity from nose to finish. This Bordeaux is worth every penny and will mature with grace while only gaining in class and richness. The nose has more evolved accents that reveal the best of Cabernet Franc allowing for a beautiful floral and fruity perfume that has dropped the new oak into the background at this stage. The palate has thickness and fills the mouth with red fruits, chocolate and spicy liqueur notes. The finish is long and has notes of toffee, cassis and vanilla that adds to the pleasure and in no way takes away from the pretty fruit core. This wine can be enjoyed now, though can go another decade easy.
*A top Premier Grand Cru Classe L’ Angelus has been long known as a great wine, even though it didn’t make it to Premier Grand Cru Classe until 1995, which it certainly deserves, even Parker noted that he thought they should have got there in 1985, and without a doubt is an estate that ranks with the superstars. Owned by the de Bouard de Laforest family, L’ Angelus sits on perfectly facing south slopes with vineyards made up of 50% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot and just 5% of Cabernet Sauvignon, which turn out close to 15,000 cases.
($244 Est.) 95-96 Points, grapelive
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