Le Carillon d'Angelus 2018 (750ML)

92-94 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Le Carillon d'Angélus comes bounding out of the glass with bold notes of crushed blackberries, black raspberries and wild blueberries plus hints of spice box, damp soil, smoked meats and fallen leaves plus a waft of menthol. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating black and blue fruits with firm, rounded tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and earthy." 4/19

92 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "As explained in my original notes from barrel, the 2018 Carillon d’Angélus is augmented by an additional eight hectares from recent acquisitions: three hectares in Tour St. Christophe and five hectares between Cheval Blanc and Figeac. This has developed on the nose, gaining a little more precision and revealing blackberry, raspberry, orange peel and light rose petal scents, the new oak still beautifully integrated. The palate is very well balanced with grainy tannins, and velvety-smooth. Just a faint graphite element tinctures the black fruit, and there is an almost Left Bank structure to the briny finish. Excellent." 03/21

91-94 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2018 Le Carillon d'Angélus is laced with striking floral/savory aromatics and brisk saline notes that complement a core of bright red-toned fruit. Pliant and supple, with notable purity and class, the 2018 is gorgeous today and benefits from an extra touch of Franc that did not go into the Grand Vin. Carillon is a blend of fruit from three sources: 7 hectares around the château, 5 hectares closer to Cheval Blanc and 3 hectares in the Saint Christophe des Bardes sector. It is especially fine in 2018 and could very well turn out to be an overachiever." 4/19

95 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "Wild-strawberry, blackberry and blueberry aromas with some spices and herbs. It’s full-bodied with a balance of firm yet elegant tannins. The savory mid-palate leads to a clean finale with serious length. Hard not to drink this now, but it needs four or five years to show its true excellence. Second wine of Angelus. Try after 2025." 01/21

90-93 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "Bright tobacco and herb notes sparkle out front until the black currant and blackberry compote flavors catch up. The solidly grippy finish shows a dark, slightly brooding profile. Distinctive." 3/19

91-93 Points, Jeb Dunnuck: "The second wine is the 2018 Le Carillon d'Angélus. It's a more serious, elegant wine that's 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, from vines near the estate as well as from near Cheval Blanc and Figeac (these grapes first went into this cuvée starting in 2013) as well as from near Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes. It has a fresh, focused style as well as classic notes of crème de cassis, graphite, tobacco, and earth. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and balanced, it's going to drink nicely right out of the gate yet also keep for 10-15 years." 5/19