2004 Angelus

Magnum. 40% Cabernet Franc, 60% Merlot. Deep crimson with some evolution at the rim. Light and refreshing on the nose. Quite developed and with lovely satiny texture. Quite a bit of tannin and even a little bit of sandpaper on the finish. A tad inky on the finish but a very bracing wine. Vital. (JR)

This 7,500-case blend of 62% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Franc is one of the strongest wines of the vintage. A deep blue/purple hue is accompanied by classic aromas of smoky blueberries and blackberries as well as incense and floral notes in the background. A beautiful texture, opulence, flamboyance, and purity characterize this stunningly deep, full-bodied effort, another great success from proprietor Hubert de Bouard. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2022.

Deep ruby. Wild aromas of plum, redcurrant, game, underbrush and flowers; hints of liqueur-like superripeness. Supple and suave but also rich and large-scaled; seriously concentrated and deep for the vintage but less sweet than the 2005. This boasts lovely texture and broad, ripe tannins but I find more intensity and incipient complexity-not to mention purity and lift-in the young 2006.