Chateau Angelus 1994

WEINWISSER: "Recht dunkles, sattes Purpur, immer noch rubiner Schimmer darin. Wuchtiges, dichtes und extrem tiefgründiges Bouquet, sehr aromenintensive Cabernet-Franc-Expression, schwarze Pfefferkörner, Oliven und Lakritze, ähnlich dem 1988er an einen grossen Hermitage erinnernd. Im Gaumen fleischig, momentan recht verschlossen, deutliche, noch fordernde, tendenziell maskuline Adstringenz, komprimiertes Extrakt, ähnliche Würzbitterstoffe wie beim 1989er. Ein Wein, der mindestens noch fünf Jahre Flaschenreife bis zum ersten Vollgenuss braucht, kann dann noch einen Punkt zulegen."

ANTONIO GALLONI: "Black-ruby. Sweet, expressive aromas of bitter cherry, cocoa powder and caramel. Very sweet and very concentrated, but fresh and nicely defined. Intriguing gamey nuance. Substantial even tannins coat the mouth, but are buried under explosive finishing fruit. This wine shows considerably more personality, not to mention depth of fruit flavor, than the '95. A superb '94, and one not to miss."

WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "The last bottle from my original case. You were fun while you lasted. The nose, with its floral, cherry pipe tobacco, earth and hint of truffle was quite nice. The wine has good concentration of flavor. On the palate, there is sweet fruit, soft textures, but the finish is a little dry and there is a distinctive green, olive note that takes away from the overall experience. Splash decanted, I am sure the wine will last another decade, but it is not going to improve."

WINESPECTATOR: "Angélus continues its hot streak. Super color and concentration for the vintage. Exotic aromas of berries, red fruits, toasted oak and minerals. Full-bodied, with full, silky tannins and a long minty, fruity finish. Fine for drinking now. Best after 1999. 10,000 cases made."

ROBINSON: "Magnum. 30% Cabernet Franc, 70% Merlot. Ruby and nuanced colour. Mineral nose. Lots of evolution and lovely harmony. Power underneath – nothing feeble about any of these wines so far! (Back from youngest.) Slightly drying out but lovely length. Really quite rich and burgundian (high praise). Lots of mature pleasure."