Château Angelus 2006
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 2006 Reviews / Tasting Notes
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate
Point Score: 94
Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London. The 2006 Chateau Angelus, a blend of 47% Cabernet Franc, 50% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, has a very perfumed bouquet with scents of blueberry, cassis, crushed violets and just a touch of mushroom. This is very generous. The palate is medium-bodied with a smooth, slightly toasty entry. The acidity is quite low compared to other 2006 Saint Emilions, but there is harmony here and the tannins seem very fine. There is real density on the finish, although I was just seeking a little more delineation to come through. Give this another two or three years in bottle. Tasted January 2016.
Wine Spectator
Point Score: 92-94
A clean wine, with lovely berry and mineral character. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a long, caressing finish. This is extremely well made. Score range: 92-94
Stephen Tanzer - Vinous
Point Score: 91-94
(63% merlot and 37% cabernet franc) Good deep ruby-red. Black raspberry, kirsch, violet, minerals and bitter chocolate on the liqueur-like nose. Dense, sweet, suave and fresh, with excellent thrust and spine to the dark fruit and mineral flavors. Classy and consistent wine that showcases the energy of the vintage. But also rich and mouthcoating in a modern style, with the middle-palate stuffing to buffer the tannins. The younger cabernet franc vines were eliminated from the blend as the fruit was a bit dilute.