Wine Spectator 96 points - Rich and rather stolid now, this features a wall of roasted apple
wood and charcoal flavors in front of the dense core of black Mission
fig, steeped black currant fruit and espresso notes. Extremely
dense on the finish, but the inlaid spice and tobacco hints are
there just beneath the surface, needing only extended cellaring to
emerge fully. One of the larger-scaled efforts of the vintage. Best
from 2018 through 2035.—J.M (Jan 18 2012)
Robert Parker 96 points - Rich and rather stolid now, this features a wall of roasted apple wood and charcoal flavors in front of the dense core of black Mission fig, steeped black currant fruit and espresso notes. Extremely dense on the finish, but the inlaid spice and tobacco hints are there just beneath the surface, needing only extended cellaring to
emerge fully. One of the larger-scaled efforts of the vintage. Best from 2018 through 2035.—J.M
I tasted this three separate times, and on two occasions I thought it had the potential to be a perfect wine. The home estate of Hubert de Bouard, this 62+ acre vineyard produced a 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc blend in 2009, with yields of 20 hectoliters per hectare, and a whopping alcohol degree of 14.5%. Of course, the latter component is not even noticeable, as that is one of the erroneous myths about high alcohol in some 2009 Bordeaux. It just doesn’t show, thanks to the wine’s extraordinary concentration. This is a fabulous wine, with that tell-tale, dense, inky blue color that Angelus always seems to achieve. It displays an extraordinary nose of acacia flowers (or is it violets?) intermixed with blueberry liqueur, black raspberries, cassis, licorice, incense, and graphite. Full-bodied, viscous, with great intensity , vibrancy, and transparency, this is one of the all-time great wines from Angelus and a 21st century version of their 1989 and 1990. It should drink well for 20+ years – at the very minimum. (Tasted three times.) (Apr 2010)
