Angelus 2018

The Phoenix, named for its blood-red hue by the ancient Greeks, has symbolized humanity's aspiration for immortality across cultures and eras. Like the vine that undergoes perpetual rebirth, each cycle yielding a different gift, 2018 is a vintage that defies expectations, infused with life forces of its own. Initially, climatic conditions in 2018 provoked doubts, but daily vigilance and rigor enabled Château Angélus to overcome these obstacles. Glorious conditions prevailed, and the vintage yielded a generous and magnificent wine, marked (on the label) by the image of the Phoenix symbolizing eternity. This exceptional wine boasts magnificent freshness in the Merlot, a careful selection of old Cabernet Franc, and gentle extraction during vinification, yielding a lovely depth of color, perfect aromatic purity, notes of black fruit, elegant tension, refined tannins, and a lingering, sophisticated finish with delicate spicy notes.

Robert Parker - 97+ Points

"The 2018 Angélus is blended of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc, aged mainly in oak barriques, 100% new, plus two new foudres. Deep garnet-purple in color, it struts flamboyantly out of the glass with stylish scents of black raspberries, boysenberries and Black Forest cake, plus nuances of rose oil, forest floor, dusty soil and cinnamon toast with a hint of cedar chest. The medium to full-bodied palate is carrying a little new oak at this youthful stage, framing the generous red and black fruits along with ripe, plush grape-skin tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and spicy. Give it 5-6 years in cellar for everything to marry, then drink it over the next 20+ years."

Antonio Galloni - 97 Points

"The 2018 Angélus is striking. Cabernet Franc aromatics make a strong first impression. Vibrant and delineated, the 2018 is incredibly refined in every way. The move towards a bit less extraction really seems to let the purity of the fruit come through. The same is true of a reduction of oak. All the elements come together so effortlessly. The 2018 has all the richness readers expect of Angélus, with much more finesse and more overall vibrancy, a combination that works so well."