Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2020 Le Carillon d'Angélus (a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc) rocks up with ready-to-go scents of plum preserves, blackberry pie and mulberries, plus hints of spice cake, aniseed and unsmoked cigars. The medium-bodied palate has lovely freshness and an approachable, soft texture framing the crunchy black fruits, finishing long and savory.
BOW (8)
Jancis Robinson (16.50)
Tasted blind. Deep crimson. Fragrant, spicy dark fruit. Smooth tannins and plenty of freshness. Approachable, straightforward and balanced. Fine tannic freshness on the finish. Fine, understated, long.
Vinous (93)
The 2020 Le Carillon d'Angélus is another very pretty, expressive wine from the de Boüard family.
Bright floral notes open first, showing off the wine's aromatic presence. Surprisingly elegant for the year, the Carillon impresses with its refined personality. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit and cedar linger on the vibrant, persistent finish. Aging is 60% in new oak and 40% in stainless steel.
Carillon continues to improve, some of that is likely attributable to a new cellar that was recently completed for this wine and the No. 3. Le Carillon is a blend taken from vineyards in three locations; Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, the Cheval Blanc/Figeac sector and around the château. The 2020 is aging in 60% new oak and 40% steel.
James Suckling (94)
This is very fine and racy with refined tannins that are long and really precise. It’s medium-bodied with a lovely, creamy texture. Really long and bright.
Jeb Dunnuck (92)
Based on 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, raised in 60% new French oak (the balance is in stainless steel), the 2020 Le Carillon D'Angelus has a medium-bodied, vibrant, quite elegant profile that certainly brings a touch of the class and finesse that's almost always found in the Grand Vin. Ripe cherries, black raspberries, spice box, sandalwood, and dried flower notes make up the aromatics, and this balanced, wonderfully complete second wine has fine tannins and a good spine of acidity. It will benefit from a few years in the cellar and keep for 10-15 years.
Decanter (93)
Gorgeous purity on the nose, open and expressive, the florality - rose, iris and violets give a lovely scent. Cool blue fruits, ripe but well defined with a thrilling and vibrant acidity alongside a touch of sweetness giving things a lift. There’s an ease about this, still complex, but it’s smooth and supple with firm tannins, softly gripping and giving the structure. Feels confident but not showy with a wide structure and clear backbone. I love the liquorice and cola aspects and the subtle spice. Ripeness is clearly there, but there’s no excess - the tension and energy remain from the start. Structured and suave.
