Château Angelus 2010
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 2010 Reviews / Tasting Notes
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate
Point Score: 99+
The deep garnet colored 2010 Angelus is an atomic bomb of powerful fruit scents from the moment the cork is pulled! Boysenberries, stewed plums, blackcurrant cordial and black raspberries all burst from the glass, followed up by nuances of tar, star anise, mocha and unsmoked cigars plus a waft of camphor. The big, rich, full-bodied palate is built like a brick house, featuring super firm, ripe, grainy tannins and tons of freshness to support the taut, muscular black fruits, finishing very long and savory. It's starting to enter its drinking window, but based on this tasting, I would recommend waiting another 3-5 years before broaching and then drinking it over the next 40+ years.
Wine Spectator
Point Score: 94-97
This is really fine, with gorgeous mouthfeel to the notes of blueberry, plum and black cherry preserves. Shows alluring black tea and incense hints in the background, with ample, iron-tinged grip on the finish. This has density and elegance. Impressive. Score range: 94-97
Stephen Tanzer - Vinous
Point Score: 95
Good deep, bright ruby-red. Extravagantly rich aromas of black raspberry, blueberry, bitter chocolate and coconutty oak. Like liquid silk in the mouth, but with outstanding verve to the huge, palate-saturating flavors of blueberry, violet, espresso and minerals. This is almost too much of a good thing today in a Napa cult wine way, but the wine's molten, slowly building tannins and outstanding finishing power promise a long and glorious evolution in bottle.