91/94

Stephen Tanzer

Vinous

Saturated bright ruby. Pungent aromas of kirsch, blackberry liqueur, espresso and licorice, with some high-toned notes of surmaturite Like a black fruit liqueur in the mouth, with complicating notes of minerals and bitter chocolate. Dense but bright, with fruit of steel. Finishes hugely tannic but not dry. The best wine yet from Angelus? This is 14+% alcohol, as the very old cabernet franc vines reached 13.8% potential alcohol in 2000. The index of polyphenols is a freakishly high 92 on the scale used in Bordeaux (for purposes of comparison, the 2001 Leoville-Las Cases is at 75). 05/2002

99

Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

Medium garnet-brick in color, the 2000 Angélus comes galloping out of the glass with a powerful nose of fragrant earth, damp soil, iron ore and cigar box over a core of prunes, blackberry jam and dried mulberries. Medium-bodied, the palate is elegantly styled with great freshness and loads of earth and mineral-inspired layers, framed by grainy tannins, finishing with a lingering menthol lift. It is in a sweet spot for drinking right now, although it should go on for another 15-20 years. Oktober 2020

99

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

A brilliant, utterly classic wine, the 2000 Château Angelus is still remarkably youthful, with barely any amber in the glass. Its stunning nose reveals cassis, graphite, flowers, and crushed stone, with a beautiful sense of truffly earth. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, flawlessly layered, and seamless, with wonderful mid-palate depth, largely resolved silky tannins, perfect balance, and a gorgeous finish. It's not a blockbuster in the style of the 2009, but it brings a regal, complex character that has so much to love. Drink bottles over the coming two decades. Drink 2026-2046. 04/2026

95

James Suckling

James Suckling

Furnished with wonderful richness, this has notes of amazingly dark fruit and dark chocolate on the nose. Full-bodied and soft, this has a lovely velvety texture and a chocolate and coffee character. This is extensive and fresh, with hints of mint and spice on the finish. Don’t drink this for another five years, pull the cork in 2015. April 2012