Medium ruby , with ruby pink rim . Quite ripe blue fruits , dark cherry , smoky cassis , round and generous . Quite rich and round in the mouth, alcohol is a bit evident. Strawberry jam , raspberry , dark cherry , touch toasty. Rounded velvety tannins , ok acidity . Ok length . Enjoyable now but will age well over the next 15 years or so — 9 months ago
Very smooth. I’ve never tried a Bordeaux but this is so smooth! — 9 months ago
I thought Les Angelots de Gracia was the second wine of Gracia, the OG “garagiste” producer from Bordeaux. Well, I was today years old when I learned that was not the case, rather it is a unique expression made in the same fashion as Gracia, but highlighting different terroir. Whatever, the results are delicious.
Poured into a decanter about an hour before service. The 2011 Les Angelots de Gracia pours a deep ruby color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing but beginning to show some vinous qualities with notes of brambles, plums, tobacco, mocha, milk chocolate covered toffee, leather, fertile earth, gentle baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose though it’s a little green on the finish (2011 vintage coming through?). But this is a really tasty wine if not on the more lean side…and that’s a compliment. Whether it’s the vintage or restraint or both, this is quite lovely!
For what it’s worth, I have never really sought out Michel Gracia’s elusive wines for two reasons: 1) I wouldn’t like the modern style and 2) they are elusive and expensive. As it turns out, only one of those things are true. These wines are delicious and worth the effort to seek out (and occasionally splurge for). Drink now with an hour decant and enjoy through 2031. — a year ago
3.5. Wonderful, smooth and complex Saint-Emilion. Perfectly ready to drink. On sale for $23.99, and seems a wonderful bargain at that price. — 7 months ago
This rating is just my taste. Not a reflection of the quality of the wine. I generally don’t care for the St Emilion region. The wine is just too austere for me. It’s 22% cab franc. It had a slight puckering dried out character without balance to me. Definitely can tell it’s a well made wine. Perhaps with a strong food pairing this would be a better experience for me but it was a wine I didn’t enjoy drinking. — 8 months ago
Alan Johnston
3.5. Excellent Sy. Emilion with complexity, a good balance of fruits and minerals, and a smooth aftertaste. On sale for $34.99, regularly $44.99. — 2 months ago