Château Angelus 2004
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 2004 Reviews / Tasting Notes
Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate
Point Score: 95
This 7,500-case blend of 62% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Franc is one of the strongest wines of the vintage. A deep blue/purple hue is accompanied by classic aromas of smoky blueberries and blackberries as well as incense and floral notes in the background. A beautiful texture, opulence, flamboyance, and purity characterize this stunningly deep, full-bodied effort, another great success from proprietor Hubert de Bouard. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2022.
Wine Spectator
Point Score: 91
Dark ruby in color, with coffee bean, meat and berry aromas. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium finish. I love the texture. Balanced and stylish. Best after 2010. 8,330 cases made.
Stephen Tanzer - Vinous
Point Score: 91
Deep ruby. Wild aromas of plum, redcurrant, game, underbrush and flowers; hints of liqueur-like superripeness. Supple and suave but also rich and large-scaled; seriously concentrated and deep for the vintage but less sweet than the 2005. This boasts lovely texture and broad, ripe tannins but I find more intensity and incipient complexity-not to mention purity and lift-in the young 2006.