Château Angelus 2007
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 2007 Reviews / Tasting Notes
Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate
Point Score: 92
A super effort from proprietor Hubert de Bouard, this blend of 62% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Franc exhibits sweet notes of chocolate, charcoal, blackberries, and jammy cherries in its round, opulent, fleshy personality. Yields were 35 hectoliters per hectare, and the wine achieved 13.5% natural alcohol. Low acidity and ripe tannin make for a voluptuous style of Angelus to drink now and over the next 10-15 years.
Wine Spectator
Point Score: 88-91
Berry, mineral and licorice aromas and flavors. Medium body, fine tannins and a medium finish. Very well done for the vintage. Score range: 88-91
Stephen Tanzer - Vinous
Point Score: 89-92
(approximately 61% merlot, 37% cabernet franc and 2% cabernet sauvignon) Good bright ruby. Superripe aromas of plum, kirsch, violet and chocolate. Fat and soft but with lovely freshness and good depth to its flavors of black cherry, cassis, licorice and bitter chocolate. Finishes with big, tongue-dusting tannins, a note of licorice, and excellent length for the year. No shortage of power here, but will it have enough verve for outstanding?