Angelus 1986

Fully mature, the garnet-colored 1986 has a broad, expansive, forward bouquet of ripe plums, spicy, smoky new oak, compost, and tapenade. On the palate, this mature wine displays richness, length, and ripeness. It is unlikely to improve. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 12/02.

Tasted at Farr Vintners' vertical from ex-chateau magnum. I recall this being superior five years ago. Here, I am not particularly taken by the 1986. It has a rather aloof character, little in the way of fruite with touches of mint and sage. The palate is medium-bodied with a touch of mushroom on the entry: masculine and tannic, the Cabernet Franc dominant with a rather foursquare, cedar and sous-bois finish that needs more joie-de-vivre. Drink up Tasted October 2011.