2020 Bordeaux En Primeur Report

Episode 13 – Angludet

2020 Château Angludet, Margaux

46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot

70% oak of which 40% was new, 30% in 7 hL amphoras

Estimated 13.5% alc

26 hL/ha

3.6pH

What I like about Angludet in 2020 is that the front half of the experience is lush and expansive, with tender moments as well as more commanding flavours and then, at the back of the palate, the tannins and acidity both wait patiently for the fruit to do its dance before coming in and closing the door quietly. Perfectly judged, nicely balanced, reassuringly accurate and also downright tasty, this is a lovely wine and it is one of the most delightful forward-drinking, but complete, wines of the year. Winemaker Ben Sichel explained that his Merlot was high in sugar and blessed with balancing acidity. He knew it was critical to preserve freshness in the Merlot and he started picking relatively early on 9^th September, waiting patiently before starting on the Cabernet. He started picking Cabernet on 21^st September and he finished on the 1^st October. This period included some rainy patches which diluted the fruit slightly and also helped it to complete its ripeness. Petit Verdot came in on the 1^st October. This measured approach to harvesting guaranteed both the ripeness of the fruit and also the smoothness of the tannins and then Ben vinified his crop softly to achieve depth of flavour without astringency. It is clear that he consummately achieved his aims, underlining just how important it is to have a skillful winemaker with profound viticultural skills in a challenging vintage like this one. 17.5/20