| 96-100 |
Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) |
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). Drink 2010-2030. |
| 92-94 |
Neal Martin (Wine Advocate) |
Tasted at Chateau Angelus. Picked from 21st September until the 14th October, the Angelus '09 is a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, the Angelus '09 has a well-defined, creamy bouquet with pure black cherry, cassis and a touch of creme de menthe. Very rounded and sensuous. The palate is full-bodied with firm grip, the tannins robust and structured, lending a masculinity to this Saint Emilion. Grippy on the finish with touches of dried herbs and tobacco although a second sample at a négoce was endowed with a more voluptuous finish. I prefer the finesse shown by Hubert de Bouard's Château Bellevue at present. Tasted March 2010. |
| 94-97 |
James Suckling (Wine Spectator) |
Concentrated aromas of boysenberry and raspberry jam. Full-bodied and powerful, with beautiful fruit-coated tannins and a long, spicy, rich aftertaste. All there for a top vintage from Angélus. |
| 18-/20 |
Jancis Robinson |
Very dark crimson. Rather animal on the nose. Thick and sweet but with generosity. Broad and jewelly. Shame we were not allowed to taste it blind with the other grands crus classées. Awfully sweet and concentrated, not relaxed, lots of dryness on the finish, revitalising. Hint of cocoa. Date tasted 30th March 2010. Drink 2016-2030. |
| 18.5/20 |
James Lawther MW (Decanter.com) |
The hallmark colour, fruit and extract are present but there's an extra edge of elegance this year. Savoury fruit (crushed raspberry and violet notes), velvety texture and powerful but refined tannins. Angélus at the top of its game. Drink 2018-2035. |
