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.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 22 October 2020

This blockbuster, blue/purple-colored wine boasts an exceptional nose of subtle licorice, menthol, creme de cassis, blackberries, and hints of coffee and charcoal. Full-bodied, flamboyant, and opulent, with low acidity and sweet tannin, it still seems young at age 19. Expansive and full, wine lovers will argue for decades to come which is better, the sensational 1990 or the equally terrific 1989. It should continue to drink beautifully for 20-25 years. Release price:($480.00/case)

Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #183 June 2009

Tasted at Farr Vintners' vertical from ex-chateau magnum. The 1990 has always been and still is a humdinger of a wine. The nose explodes from the glass with glorious aromas of black cherries, creme de cassis, menthol and bacon fat, all with supremely fine delineation. Just give it a few swirls and there are some gorgeous gamey/Southern Rhone-like scents. The palate is full-bodied, decadent, beautifully balanced with sensual mouthfeel: hints of savoury fruit, Asian spice, white pepper and audacious, fennel-tinged finish. Delicious, but just pipped by the '89s breeding today. Tasted October 2011.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal Mar 2012