100
Jeb Dunnuck Tasting Note
A perfect wine in every way, the 2009 Chateau Angelus checks in alongside the 1990, 2000, 2005, 2018, 2019, and 2020 as the finest vintages from this incredible estate. Still deep ruby-hued with no bricking, it has a mammoth-sized bouquet of cassis, smoked tobacco, flowery incense, truffly earth, and chocolate that’s to die for. These all carry over to the palate, which has full-bodied richness, a stacked mid-palate, ripe building tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. As I wrote the last time I tasted this elixir, it offers an amazing amount of both hedonistic and intellectual pleasure. It has at least another 2-3 decades of prime drinking ahead of it.
96
Wine Spectator Tasting Note
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. 8,165 cases made.
94
Vinous Tasting Note
(60% merlot and 40% cabernet franc; pH 3.77; 14.5% alcohol; IPT 92) Deep purple. Very deep, enticing aromas of cassis, blackberry liqueur, dark chocolate and violet, with some oaky torrefaction notes of espresso and mocha; seems a bit more merlot-dominated than usual. The palate boasts outstanding intensity and freshness to the black fruit and smoky oak flavors, with a firm spine of acidity giving the wine necessary backbone. Finishes horizontal and long, with building, youthfully aggressive but ripe tannins. In a modern, extractive style, but with much better grip, focus and verve than many other similarly made wines. It's hard to believe, but t his is the 25th anniversary vintage for talented owner Hubert de Bo u ard, who is increasingly in demand across the Bordeaux region as a winemaking consultant.
97
James Suckling Tasting Note
If you've ever eaten really good British Christmas cake then you know what this lavish 2009 St.-Emilion smells and tastes like. Every bit as rich as it is polished with a long moderately dry finish packed with powdery tannins. Drink or hold. (Horizontal Tasting, London, 2019)
99
Wine Advocate Tasting Note
Blended of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet colored 2009 Angélus sings of blackberry preserves, warm black cherries, stewed plums and dried herbs with hints of Chinese five spice, fragrant earth, truffles and new leather. Full, rich, spicy and decadent in the mouth, it has a plush, velvety texture and well-knit freshness, finishing very long with tons of spicy layers.
