Château Angelus 1997
Review of the Estate
Named Chateau Angelus because the sound of the Angelus bells, from three, different, nearby churches that can all be heard in the vineyard at the same time, for eight generations the De Bouard de Laforest family have owned and run Chateau Angelus which is situated in Saint-Émilion. Today, Chateau Angelus is headed by Stèphanie de Bouard.
In 1954, Chateau Angelus became a classed growth and, in 1996, it was further elevated from Grand Cru Classè to Premier Grand Cru Classè B. In 2012 Chateau Angelus was again raised, to what is the region's highest classification level, Premier Grand Cru Classè A.
The grapes harvested at Chateau Angelus are meticulously sorted in the cellar, using three sorting tables, and fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks, concrete tanks, and oak vats. After fermentation, Chateau Angelus wine is racked into new, oak barrels. Blending and assemblage is carried out following the first summer of ageing. Then the wine is then aged for another 20-26 months.
Vineyard
Surface area: 57.8 acres
Grape Varieties: 50% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
Average age of vines: 30 years
Density of plantation: 7,000 - 8,000 vines per hectare
Average yields: 32 hectoliters per hectare
Average cases produced: 6,000 per year
Plateau of maturity: 4 - 25 years
Château Angelus 1997 Reviews / Tasting Notes
Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate
Point Score: 89
This saturated, deep ruby/purple-colored wine is a big, rich, smoky St.-Emilion exhibiting this estate's tell-tale characteristics of Provencal olives, black cherry liqueur, prunes, and toasty new oak. It is soft, supple, and ideal for consuming over the next 10-12 years.
Wine Spectator
Point Score: 90
A big and luscious wine for the vintage, this outstanding Bordeaux delivers loads of plum, berry and pomegranate character on the nose. It's full-bodied, with lots of velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Best after 2000.
Stephen Tanzer - Vinous
Point Score: 90
Very good ruby-red color. Spicy, ripe aromas of raspberry, chocolate and oak spice. Bright and sweet in the mouth, with good density, but can't match the 1995 or 1996 for vibrancy and length. Finishes with tongue-coating but fine tannins. The merlot component gives this wine its silky texture, while the cabernet franc confers backbone.