1975 Angelus

The 1975 l’Angélus was fermented in concrete vats and saw no new oak, so we’re talking old-school winemaking. It has a relatively pale hue for a Saint-Émilion and a degraded tawny rim. The bouquet is a little diffuse, but reveals attractive vestiges of brambly red fruit that ebb away to offer damp undergrowth, autumn leaves and light cigar humidor scents. The palate is not powerful but certainly balanced, with fine acidity. Not complex in the slightest, the 1975 certainly falls short of expectations given that this was actually a pretty decent Right Bank vintage, as anyone who has tasted Figeac or Cheval Blanc will know. The nub of the matter is that the 1975 l'Angélus is perfectly enjoyable to drink, showing no obvious faults and no vegetal traits, while the tart finish is quite refreshing. My glass is soon empty.