Château Angelus 2002
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 2002 Reviews / Tasting Notes
Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate
Point Score: 91
A successful offering for the vintage, the 2002 exhibits a deep ruby/purple/plum color as well as a sweet, forward style with black fruits intermixed with espresso roast, lavender, and Provencal herbs. Medium to full-bodied, lush, and round, with fine purity, ripeness, and surprising body and sweetness for a right bank 2002, it can be drunk now or cellared for 12-15 years.
Wine Spectator
Point Score: 89-91
Lots of mineral and berry character, with hints of cherry. Medium-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a medium finish. Slightly hollow center palate. But could develop nicely in barrel. Let's wait and see. Score range: 89-91
Stephen Tanzer - Vinous
Point Score: 93
Bright ruby. Primary, slightly inky aromas of black fruits, bitter chocolate, licorice and violet, with a hint of fresh herbs. Juicy and deep, with slightly inky, muscular flavors of cassis and blackberry; tightly wound and very fresh today owing to fresh, harmonious acidity. With its atypically full cabernet franc, this has superb density for the year. Finishes with huge but suave tannins and terrific chocolatey persistence. A strong early showing for this wine.