The 2019 d'Angludet has a fine bouquet, well-defined with tobacco and pencil box aromas infusing the black fruit, taut and displaying beautifully integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, composed and harmonious. Delicious Margaux. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.
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.