Carillon de l'Angélus St-Émilion 2020

95 points James Suckling: "Cedar and floral with dried rose petals and plums with some cherries and fresh tobacco. Medium to full body. Linear and tight with fresh and fine tannins. Chocolate and hazelnut. 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc. Second wine of Angelus. Give it four to five years. Try after 2026. (5/14/23)"

93-95 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "The second wine from this estate, now augmented by the addition of more distant parcels and made in its own dedicated cellars. The added parcels include one with sandy-gravelly soils between Figeac and Cheval Blanc, and one with limestone soils in Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, which together with the clay of Angélus means this cuvée now represents all three St Emilion soils. The new cellars are near Castillon-la-Bataille. The blend here is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, and it will be aged in 60% new and 40% second-fill barrels. This appears dark and glossy in the glass, with a black violet core and vibrant rim, certainly very different to No. 3 (and different to previous vintages of Carillon, perhaps?). The nose is certainly intriguing, elegant, with intertwined sandalwood, vanilla pod, crushed limestone and tobacco, all of which conspires to shelter the core of perfumed and minerally black fruits. The palate brings some of these fruits to the fore, with currant and black bean notes, black olive and toast, all set in a smoky substance. The build of the palate is just a delight, these dark and smoky flavour elements wrapped around toasted tannins, elegantly composed, rich and yet finely grained. Carillon appears to be punching above its weight in this vintage;this is a great second wine, true to the character of the estate, and one which would grace any cellar. The best Carillon ever? Could be. The alcohol is reported to be 14.5%. (Apr 2021)"

93-95 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Dark ruby, purple reflections, discreet brightening on the rim. Very fine, new wood spices with nougat, ripe cherry fruit, a hint of liquorice and tobacco. Medium complexity, red berry nuances, fresh, structured, well-integrated tannins, mineral finish, salty aftertaste. Very elegant, with freshness and drive, perhaps the best Carillon so far. (5/28/21)"

94 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "A superb wine that is so good, it is difficult to believe it is a second wine! Here, you find a lush, opulent, silky wine loaded with black cherries, licorice, plums, espresso, flowers and a touch of chocolate. The fruits are sweet, fresh, and vibrant, providing a finish that is energetic, as well as luscious. You can enjoy this on release, or let it age for additional nuances while waiting for its big sister to age and develop. Drink from 2023-2037. (3/21/23)"

92-94 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "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. Drink: 2025-2040. (Jun 2021)"

92-94 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2020 Le Carillon d’Angélus has a compact, tight bouquet that needs more coaxing than I anticipated, almost reluctantly offering brambly black fruit, blueberry, incense and light potpourri scents. The palate is well balanced with a lovely bead of acidity that slices through the pure blackberry and raspberry fruit. I cannot recall a Carillon as precise as this, particularly on the finish. Just a superb Deuxième Vin. Drink: 2024-2038. (May 2021)"

93 points Georgina Hindle (Decanter): "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. Drinking Window: 2025-2039. (1/2/23)"