2009 Château Angélus

Visually and aromatically this is opulent, with glass-staining purple alongside smoked spice, cumin, incense, crushed liquorice and rocks, mocha, tobacco, blackberry, fragrant spice box and toasted plums. There is tension through the palate also, and this is at the very beginning of its drinking window, with decades ahead of it. 100% new oak for ageing. Emmanuel Fulchi technical director. Harvest September 23 to October 14 with a gap in between the two grape varieties. These were the years where Angélus was beginning to keep more stock back at the estate, but still not a lot left, and it is not an easy vintage to find - but you will be very happy if you do.

Another absolutely brilliant showing for this wine, which I've rated perfect on every occasion I've had it. Reminding me of the 1990, the 2009 Château Angelus is picking up more complexity today and has a deeper garnet/ruby hue as well as an incredibly expressive bouquet of sweet red and black fruits, tobacco, flowery incense, and spice, with what might even be a hint of truffle. Medium to full-bodied, rich, and concentrated on the palate, yet weightless, balanced, and seamless, this is just an absolute stunner of a wine. It has another 20-30 years of prime drinking ahead of it. Drink 2026-2056.

Very sweet and floral. Transparent but not quite refreshing enough, but good to drink in 2023. (JR)