Tasting Notes
Vinous 89
The 1999 Angelus is another vintage I have tasted numerous times, from both bottle and magnum, the latter usually better. The bouquet offers quite showy, almost ostentatious scents of figgy black fruit that feels a little trop. The palate is fleshy, succulent and plush, although it tries too hard to impress, in an attempt to compensate for the growing season. Not bad, but rather ordinary for this estate. Tasted at the chateau.
Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029
JancisRobinson.com 16.0
Magnum. 20% Cabernet Franc, 80% Merlot. Tough vintage for Angelus because hail meant production was only 40% of usual. Lovely development on the nose at last! Tertiary aromas at last. Very sweet. Very Merlot start. Hints of molten milk chocolate. Finishes just a little suddenly. But it certainly delivers current pleasure. The acidity is just starting to insinuate itself. Really SO much more developed than the 2000!
Anticipated maturity: 2006-2016
Robert Parker 89
Tasted at Farr Vintners’ vertical from ex-chateau magnum. The 1999 is showing just a little sur-maturite on the nose with succulent, fleshy red fruit but with touches of raisin and fig that just detracts from the delineation. I just find this a little stewy. The palate is medium-bodied with fleshy, rounded tannins. Harmonious and succulent, but missing a little tension towards the finish. This is a generous Angelus that should drink well over the medium-term, but does not impart a sense of excitement and certainly juxtaposed against the ’98 it seems to lack complexity. Tasted October 2011.
