95pts James Suckling

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.

93pts 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.

93pts Jeb Dunnuck

I loved the 2018 Carillon D'Angélus. This Merlot-dominated blend (there's 15% Cabernet Franc) offers a healthy ruby/purple color as well as a complex, smoky bouquet of ripe black fruits, graphite, tobacco, and a kiss of earth. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and beautifully balanced, it has a sexy, seamless texture, polished tannin's, and the class to drink nicely for 15 years or more.

91pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Composed of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Le Carillon d'Angélus rolls out of the glass with upfront notions of baked plums, stewed black cherries and raspberry pie, plus suggestions of potpourri, Chinese five spice, tilled soil and tobacco leaf. The medium to full-bodied palate is generous and spicy, supported by soft tannins and just enough freshness, finishing savory.

Winemaker Notes

This vintage once again confirms the identity of this wine. It reveals the characteristics that make up the terroir from which it comes. The color is clean and dark, and the nose is bursting with aromas of wild berry fruit, black cherries and freshness. The palate is layered, dense with lovely tannins and has a long finish.

Blend: 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc