Chateau Angelus 1990

WEINWISSER: "In der rubingranaten Farbe mit altersgemässen orangenen Reflexen, rostbrauner Rand. Grandioser, sublimer Duft mit erdig-trüffeliger Kulisse aus Waldboden, Damassine- Pflaume und getrockneten Heidelbeeren. Sehr komplex und feinsinnig. Am Gaumen bricht auch ein Tick Feigenbrot durch, dabei immer mit einer betörenden, burgundischen Sublimität, einer fast Chambertin-artigen Süsse, die an Kräuterheilmittel und Waldboden erinnern. Dahinter wartet ein finessenreicher Abgang, hier zeigt sich auch eine grosse Ähnlichkeit zu dem 1995er. Ein wahrhaft grandioser, fast frischer Angélus, der uns an diesem Abend die Sterne vom Himmel geholt hat und den wir blind wohl viel jünger eingeschätzt hätten."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Medium to deep garnet-brick in color, the 1990 Angélus comes barreling out of the glass with big, bold, beautiful aromas of rose oil, cloves, smoked meats and licorice over a core of baked black plums, crème de cassis and raspberry pie plus hints of new leather and tobacco leaf. The palate is a full-on rich, powerful, full-bodied blockbuster, featuring bags of pure red and black fruit preserves layers and an incredible floral undercurrent, supported by plush tannins and lively freshness, finishing with epic length and depth. It's extraordinary to experience right now and yet should easily cellar for another 20+ years."

JEB DUNNUCK: "The 1990 Angelus is fully mature today, yet will keep for another two decades or more. Black currants, spice-box, cured meats, cedarwood and roasted herb aromas all soar from the glass of this ripe, full-bodied, powerful Saint-Emilion. With full-bodied richness, an opulent, broad, expansive texture, and thrilling mid-palate depth, drink it anytime over the coming two decades or more."

FALSTAFF: "Ein grandioser Saint-Émilion mit intensiver purpur-violetter Farbe. Sehr kompakt und dicht mit kraftvollem, wuchtigem Charakter und verschlossener Aromenstruktur. Mit längerem Luftkontakt beginnt sich der Wein zu öffnen und zeigt einen Teil seines großen Potenzials. Geduld ist hier gefragt, das Potenzial ist unbestritten. Ein Wein wie eine eiserne Faust im Samthandschuh."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "At its absolute peak of performance, now the wine has shifted to a floral bouquet to get things started with nuances of roses, lilacs, and lilies before you find truffles, dark cocoa, blackberry, licorice and plums. Soft, silky and elegant, the wine feels soft and polished on your palate, before finishing with dark cocoa, plum, and truffle in the endnote. Not decanted, just popped, poured and enjoyed for 2 hours. There is no reason to hold off opening a bottle of this gem if you have any."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Magnum. 50% Cabernet Franc, 50% Merlot. Very deep and with a rich, orange rim but great concentration. Still youthful and a return to Angélus. Silky fresh with lovely sweetness and absolutely lovely now. Pure pleasure. Spice and sweetness and fragrance. Great balance and vibration. What a contrast with 1991! Long and reverberant and great balance. Rich tea-leaf aromas. Very sweet. Long."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Aromatic beauty. Dark ruby-red color. Enticing aromas of cinnamon, raspberry, plum, and cherry. Full-bodied, with wonderfully polished tannins and a long, fruity finish.--1990 Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now. 12,000 cases made."