13.5% abv, De Bouard de LaForest & Fils, Saint-Emilion. Imported by Château & Estates Wine Co., New York, NY.
This mature claret was an immense pleasure. I opened the bottle using as ah-so and decanted the wine off of its sediment. The maturity was evident in the color and tertiary aromas. The limestone and deep clay on this right bank property allow this wine to be bred for pedigree and aging. In 2012 the estate was promoted from Grand Cru Classé B to ‘A’ status. Matured entirely in new French oak barrels, the Angelus is 51% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tasting note: A deep Tawny color with hazy appearance and an orange rim. The nose is of a pronounced intensity with aromas of dried currant, blackberry, black peppercorn, tobacco and Turkish fig. The wine is dry with a medium plus acid, medium tannins, medium-plus body with flavors of sarsaparilla, dried currant, dried figs, roasted meat, and a touch of bretty goodness on the long finish. As the primary fruit has matured, and the new oak has been digested into an array of tertiary aromas and flavors, drink now: this is on peak and rather resolved! Very good; 9.4/10