Château Angludet, 2015
Château Angludet, 2015
- 75cl
- 14%
- Red Still
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
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Optimal drinking window: Now - 2030
Known for its consistent quality and classic Margaux character, Château Angludet is a well-respected estate that has produced wines with finesse and structure for over a century. When Benjamin Sichel took charge of wine-making operations at Château Angludet in 1989, he set himself the task of optimising the vines' natural balance. In Benjamin's view, the vines ought to be allowed to regulate themselves naturally, without any assistance. The role of the grower is to provide the means to foster this balance.
The 2015 vintage was a particularly successful year in Bordeaux, producing wines that are ripe, balanced, and capable of long aging. This combined with the estate's sustainable farming practices, resulted in a refined and well-balanced Margaux wine.
What the critics say:
"This structured wine comes from the Sichel family-owned estate. It has tannins and a dry character although this dry core is balanced with ripe black currants. Structure and fruit make this a good wine for medium-term aging. Drink from 2023."
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep garnet with a brick edge starting to show, typical of a mature 2015.
NoseBig earthy fruit dominates, with blackcurrant and plum wrapped in leather and tobacco leaf. There's a mineral graphite edge and cedar from oak ageing, plus hints of dried herbs and forest floor. The old vines show in the concentration and depth.
PalateFull-bodied and structured, this sits on the masculine side of Margaux with firm, grippy tannins that coat the mouth. Dark fruit is layered with earth and leather, supported by good acidity. The old-vine intensity is evident in the wine's depth and persistence across the palate.
FinishLong and savoury with lingering leather, tobacco, and mineral notes that extend well beyond the last sip.
Overall impressionA serious, structured Margaux that prioritises power and depth over immediate charm.
Food Pairings
In the Médoc, this style of wine would traditionally accompany agneau de Pauillac, the local salt-marsh lamb roasted with herbs de Provence. The region's proximity to the Atlantic means plenty of duck and game birds, often served with rich, wine-based sauces that complement the earthy tannins. Confit de canard with Sarladaise potatoes would be perfect, as would côte de bœuf with bone marrow and shallots. Local cheeses like aged Comté or Roquefort make excellent matches for the wine's savoury complexity.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 17-18°C to allow the wine's complexity to fully express itself. Decant for at least two hours to soften those firm tannins and integrate the earthy elements. Use large Bordeaux glasses to concentrate the aromatics and allow proper aeration. Given the wine's structure, it benefits from being opened several hours before serving, or even the day before for maximum enjoyment.
Angludet's vineyards sit on the gravelly soils typical of the Margaux appellation, with excellent drainage that forces the vines to dig deep. The Gironde estuary's moderating influence provides a temperate climate that allows for slow, even ripening. These well-draining gravels over clay subsoil are perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon, giving the wine its structure and mineral backbone while the clay provides water retention during dry spells.
Margaux is the most southerly of the great Médoc communes, traditionally known for producing the most elegant and perfumed wines of the Left Bank. The appellation covers not just the commune of Margaux but also Cantenac, Soussans, Arsac, and Labarde. While many Margaux wines emphasise finesse and fragrance, the best estates like Angludet show that the appellation can produce wines of serious structure when the terroir and vintage align.
We absolutely adore 2015 Bordeaux, and frankly, we think it might be the most underrated vintage of the decade. The growing season was a fairy tale: a warm, dry summer with just enough rain in September to plump up the grapes before a gloriously sunny harvest. The Right Bank had a particularly brilliant time of it, with Merlot ripening to perfection, whilst the Cabernet Sauvignon on the Left Bank achieved that magical balance between power and elegance that makes collectors weak at the knees.
What emerged were wines of remarkable concentration and finesse – think 2010's structure with 2009's generosity, but with their own distinct personality. The tannins are silky rather than muscular, the fruit is pure and focused, and there's an underlying freshness that keeps everything in perfect harmony. We find these wines utterly charming already, drinking beautifully now with a few hours in the decanter, but the best will happily cellar for another 15-20 years. If you're looking for Bordeaux that combines immediate pleasure with serious ageing potential, 2015 is your vintage.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Earthy and structured with dark fruit, leather, and tobacco. This is Margaux on the powerful side, with firm tannins and old-vine depth rather than immediate elegance.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Rich meat dishes like roasted lamb, duck confit, or aged beef. The earthy tannins love game, mushroom dishes, and aged hard cheeses like Comté.
Should I decant this wine?
Absolutely. Decant for at least two hours to soften the tannins and allow the complex aromatics to develop. The wine benefits greatly from aeration.
How does this compare to other Margaux wines?
This sits on the more powerful, structured side of Margaux rather than the elegant, perfumed style. It shows what the appellation can achieve when old vines and excellent vintage conditions align.
OUR GROWERS
Château Angludet
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