Château Angelus 1992
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 1992 Reviews / Tasting Notes
Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate
Point Score: 88
What a surprise in an incredibly difficult year! Angelus has turned out a fully mature wine that needs to be drunk up over the next 3-4 years, but notes of olive, black cherry, and currant are present, along with some leafy, fern-like, forest smells. The wine is medium-bodied, soft, and one of the undeniable successes for this miserable vintage.
Wine Spectator
Point Score: 89
Extraordinarily good. one of the stars of this weakling vintage. Black cherry and berry flavors, full-bodied, velvety and fresh. Long, long finish. Drink now.
Jancis Robinson
Point Score: 14/20
Still quite deep with evolution only at the rim. Very fully evolved nose, almost a note of decay. Sweet, simple start and then pretty coarse, rustic tannins. You wouldn't want to buy this now and if it's in your cellar, drink it immediately!