Château Angelus 1990
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 1990 Reviews / Tasting Notes
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate
Point Score: 99
Medium to deep garnet-brick in color, the 1990 Angelus comes barreling out of the glass with big, bold, beautiful aromas of rose oil, cloves, smoked meats and licorice over a core of baked black plums, creme de cassis and raspberry pie plus hints of new leather and tobacco leaf. The palate is a full-on rich, powerful, full-bodied blockbuster, featuring bags of pure red and black fruit preserves layers and an incredible floral undercurrent, supported by plush tannins and lively freshness, finishing with epic length and depth. It's extraordinary to experience right now and yet should easily cellar for another 20+ years.
Wine Spectator
Point Score: 93
Aromatic beauty. Dark ruby-red color. Enticing aromas of cinnamon, raspberry, plum, and cherry. Full-bodied, with wonderfully polished tannins and a long, fruity finish.--1990 Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now. 12,000 cases made.
Jancis Robinson
Point Score: 18.5/20
Deep ruby with a hint of brick at the rim. Very flamboyant, seductive, exotic nose. Sweet palate entry with decadent raw meat and dried fruit flavours. Lovely velvety texture. Gorgeous to drink now - seems as though at its peak but has probably been so for ages. Lots of velvety pleasure.