Wine Advocate
byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2000
Because Angelus suffered heavy hail, only 4,000 cases (rather than the normal 8,000) of the 1999 were produced. Despite all the post-hail hysteria claiming the crop had been destroyed, Angelus's 1999 falls only a point or two short of being outstanding. If it had slightly more persistence on the palate, it would have merited a rating of 90 or better. The saturated black/purple color is accompanied by this property's tell-tale aromas of roasted Provencal herbs, olives, and gloriously sweet, jammy, fat, blackberry, prune, and cherry fruit with nicely-integrated wood. The wine is dense, thick, and juicy on the attack, but falls off slightly. With low acidity, it should drink well when released, and will keep for 10-12 years.