🏰 The 1988 Bordeaux vintage, after a wet winter and spring, was saved by a long, dry, and hot summer, leading to a harvest that began in mid-September. This vintage is considered "classic," with many wines not overtly fruit-focused but possessing levels of extract and concentration suitable for prolonged storage. Chateau Angelus 1988, a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé A, is a testament to this, with Hubert de Boüard considering it his first "real" vintage. The wine exhibits a wide tawny rim, typical for a 30-year-old wine, and an old-school bouquet of dark berry fruit, leather, sage, and fragrant pinecones, showing commendable vigour. Tasting notes describe dark berries, earth, minerals, wood, and spice aromas, with silky textures and a plum-filled finish. The grape skins were very thick, resulting in wines of deep colour, combining race and finesse with a magnificent, chiselled tannic structure. 【Hubert de Boüard's first real vintage】. This mature wine is surprisingly good for its age, offering complexity and a pleasing profile. Serving Advice for an Older Vintage (1988): This wine is well into its maturity, so handle with care. Expect some sediment, so a gentle decanting is recommended, just enough to separate the wine from the solids. Stand the bottle upright for at least 24-48 hours before serving to allow sediment to settle. Use a proper corkscrew to avoid damaging the potentially fragile cork. Serve at 15.5°C (60°F) to allow its freshness and lift to shine. 🍴 Chateau Angelus 1988 pairs beautifully with classic meat dishes such as beef and venison. It also complements veal, pork, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes, as well as Asian dishes, rich fish like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta. 🥂 An excellent choice for a milestone anniversary, a significant birthday celebration, or a contemplative evening for a connoisseur appreciating a mature, classic Bordeaux.