2021 Château Angludet, Margaux, Bordeaux
Description
Cabernet Sauvignon 53%, Merlot 24%, Petit Verdot 23%.
Ben Sichel’s efforts towards minimal intervention and biodynamics have allowed the vineyard to reach a level of balance such that fertilisers are no longer needed. The vineyard could roll with the punches of the growing season, yielding wonderful, healthy fruit. Half the grand vin is raised in amphorae, giving the tannins a creamy, silky texture. Spring frost reduced the yield to 29hl/ha, but this is a smooth, rounded, complete wine with no weaknesses, with seductive blackcurrant-jam and juicy-cherry notes. Petit Verdot’s rugged edge is softened by the amphorae while still giving the necessary backbone.
Our score: 16/20
Berry Bros. & Rudd
-
Colour
Red -
Sweetness
Dry -
Vintage
2021 -
Alcohol
12.5% -
Grape
Cabernet Sauvignon,Merlot,Petit Verdot -
Body
Full Bodied -
Producer
Château Angludet
Critics reviews
Juicy and alive on the palate, this has quite a neat, unfussy presentation with the elements presented gently - the creamy strawberry and red cherry fruit, the minty freshness and salinity to the tannins that are a little dry and robust right now. Still, this feels well worked with good definition and I love the strawberry tang at the start with the freshly picked mint touch that sustains the finish. Good potential and Margaux charm here. I look forward to tasting in bottle.
Drink 2025 - 2030
A firm, savoury red with notes of spiced plums, tea leaves and bark. Medium-bodied with firm, chewy tannins. A little rustic.
53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 23% Petit Verdot. Cask sample.
Mid crimson. Rather alluring ripe nose. Very soft and round. Not a long-distance runner but a true Margaux-style wine for early drinking. There’s even a hint of an ethereal quality about this.
Drink 2025 - 2034
26hl/h yield after frost. 50% amphora, 50% oak barrels.
A sterling name in the Margaux appellation, often offering outstanding value in multiple vintages. They have leaned into the vintage character not trying to fight against it, and what you get as a result is savoury juicy red and black fruits, with waves of Margaux-signature florality.
Drink 2025 - 2032
Lots of red and black fruits, tobacco, and a touch of spice box define the 2021 Château D'Angludet, a medium-bodied, textured Margaux that does a lot right, yet could use more mid-palate depth. Nevertheless, it's quite good, if not outstanding.
The 2021 Château d'Angludet contains less Merlot and more Petit Verdot due to the three-week frost. Daisy Sichel told me that it was aged in 50% amphora this year. It has a relatively light yet well-defined bouquet featuring strawberry and red cherry scents. The palate delivers fine tannins framing the red fruit, quite Burgundian in texture, and hints of graphite, leading to a nicely poised finish. Curiously, the Petit Verdot is quite disguised given the amount used.
Drink 2024 - 2038
Aromas of dark berry compote, marmalade and undergrowth introduce the 2021 D'Angludet, a medium-bodied, soft and fleshy red that will offer straightforward near-term drinking.
Drink 2024 - 2035