70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc

Neal Martin: 93, James Suckling: 97

Neal Martin: The 2017 Ang̩lus was bottled later than many Right Bank wines, in fact just 10 days prior to my visit in late September '19. Proprietor Hubert de B̦uard reminded me that there is less Cabernet Franc in the blend (30%) due to the frost, the estate electing to use the first generation fruit from their historical parcels. It has a very pure bouquet that is totally different from the Deuxi̬me Vin, as you would expect, with scents of black cherries, wild strawberry, cassis and black truffle. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins. The 100% new oak is nicely integrated into the black fruit laced with chestnut, tobacco, bay leaf and clove. There is decent body to this Ang̩lus. It feels a little tight and constricted towards the finish, but I appreciate the contribution of the Cabernet Franc. It will age with style.