The 2016 Angelus Bordeaux Blend from Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, France, is a red wine with a cork closure and a 14.5% alcohol content. Crafted by Angelus, this vintage is a composition of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc.
This wine has garnered exceptional reviews across the board, with scores ranging from 94 to a perfect 100. It features a deep garnet-purple color and is noted for its complex bouquet and robust structure.
James Suckling awarded the wine a score of 98, highlighting its "lovely nose of fresh plum, almond and vanilla" and describing it as both rich and firmly structured. He notes, "this dynamic drives the wine over the palate and off into the distance," with a vibrant, long, stony finish. Suckling suggests it is drinkable now but will be best from 2024.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also gave a score of 98, praising its powerful aromas of "blackberry pie, ripe black cherries and juicy black plums" with undertones of star anise and woodsmoke. Lisa Perrotti-Brown described the palate as "pure decadence," rich and generously fruited, yet fresh and vivacious. She emphasizes its "ethereal nature" and suggests waiting 3-5 more years for the wine’s full potential to emerge.
Jeff Leve of The Wine Cellar Insider gave the highest score of 99, noting its deep color and aromas of truffle, earth, and dark red fruits. He describes the wine as having the feel of "well-worn, fine hotel linen" with refined, sexy fruits and concentration, coupled with depth, complexity, and length.
Jeb Dunnuck rated it 97, citing its elegance and finesse. He noted its "soaring perfume of crème de cassis, white flowers, crayon, forest floor, and spice." Dunnuck emphasized its deep, layered style and beautifully integrated oak, suggesting it will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 30+ years.
Wine Enthusiast gave a perfect score of 100, calling it a "rich, perfumed wine" with dense tannins and intense layers of black plum and spice. The palate is described as firmly built yet broadened by plump dark-fruit tones, suggesting it will be best from 2025.
In summary, the 2016 Angelus is a highly acclaimed Bordeaux blend celebrated for its complex aromas, robust structure, and potential for aging.