The amiable, Jean-Bernard Grenier, stopped by Graileys two weeks ago before his dinner event at a Dallas restaurant. He generously shared some 2006 and 2007 Chateau Angelus with us. And just to spice things up, Simon also pulled a bottle of 2005 Angelus to round up a three-year vertical.
First in the line-up was the very expressive and approachable 2007 Angelus. This showed fantastic harmony and balance for such a young wine. I loved the wine’s delicate and well-delineated aromatics; layers of blackcurrants, black raspberries, plums, espresso beans, incense, and a touch of dark chocolate. The palate was full-bodied with ripe, vanilla-laced tannins, and vibrant acidity. Great freshness and lovely texture. Juicy finish. This is such a delight to drink now and frankly, I would have a very hard time keeping my hands off this wine.
The 2006 Angelus was next in line. The nose seemed darker with cassis, blackberries, blackcurrants, cedar, dried herbaceous tones, and spice. Next to the 07, this showed more flesh and opulence but lacked the concentration and structure of the 05. I’d like to revisit this wine in another three years. In the meantime, I am drinking those 07s.
The 2005 Angelus was markedly a bigger wine. Bold fruit and big tannins. It is tightly wound right now with firm, mouth-drying tannins and concentrated black fruits. Very youthful and primary. Intense, oak-derived notes (coffee, mocha, chocolate) along with blackcurrants, blackberries, black cherries, and blueberries are driving the flavor profile. Richly-textured and dense. This is undoubtedly an amazing wine but requires another 10-15 years, in my opinion, to mellow those tannins and start throwing the awesome truffle-earth-floral bouquet that I love so much in Angelus. I’m thinking, 1990 Angelus….