Chateau Angelus   Angelus

2004 Angelus

By Chateau Angelus

2004 Angelus from Chateau Angelus, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux

The 2004 Angelus from the hallowed grounds of Chateau Angelus quietly asserts itself as a testament to the winemaker’s acuity in a year marked by variability. As with many a Saint-Emilion vintage, understanding the climatic interplay is pivotal in appreciating the resulting wine’s temperament and providential grace.

 

A Vintage Defined by Patience and Precision

In 2004, Bordeaux's weather patterns flirted impishly with vigneron aspirations; early optimism was tempered by a cooler August, yet September granted reprieve with warmth and much-desired sun. Amidst these oscillations, Chateau Angelus manifested its viticultural sagacity, leveraging the Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend to mirror the vintage’s unique narrative.

 

Rarefied Elegance Amidst Climatic Whims

The 2004 Angelus articulates an alluring dichotomy: vividly ripe plum and blackberry enchant the palate, whilst herbaceous whispers and earthen undertones maintain astute balance. The tannins, integrated yet discernible, furnish a structure that invests this vintage with formidable longevity—a compelling facet for connoisseurs considering its addition to their investment portfolios.

With sufficient decanting, this Saint-Emilion unveils further complexity: hints of truffle emerge alongside tobacco, providing a genteel backdrop to the fruit-dense overture. This equanimous evolution in the bottle showcases a poised allocation of the elements—each sip resonates with an enigmatic persistence that is illustrative of the subtle might of 2004 Bordeaux wines.

It is essential for fiacres of fine wines to ponder the understated elegance of vintages such as 2004 Angelus amidst more exuberant years. As it rests in cellars, maturing gracefully, collectors and investors should cognize not only its current poised expression but also the promise of majesty unfurling with time. In sum, this offering from Chateau Angelus captures an exquisite snapshot of what experienced hands can conjure from a season’s capricious canvas—a noble addition to any discerning patron's collection.

Current market price

$4,730.00

12x75cl

Highest score

95

POP score

189.33

Scores and tasting notes

95

This 7,500-case blend of 62% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Franc is one of the strongest wines of the vintage. A deep blue/purple hue is accompanied by classic aromas of smoky blueberries and blackberries as well as incense and floral notes in the background. A beautiful texture, opulence, flamboyance, and purity characterize this stunningly deep, full-bodied effort, another great success from proprietor Hubert de Bouard. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2022.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 28 June 2007

94

Full of dark fruits and sweet tobacco character. Full-bodied, with super fine, silky tannins and a long finish. Give it another three years.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 3rd 2012

93

Tasted at Farr Vintners’ vertical from ex-chateau magnum. The 2004 has a very fragrant, more floral bouquet than the 2003 with fine definition and clarity, notes of wild strawberry and raspberry lifting from the glass with a hint of rose petal. The oak is very well integrated. The palate is well balanced with fine tannins, just a little hardness at the moment, suggesting that this needs another one or two years to mellow. It is a little foursquare towards the graceful finish but decent length. Salty tang on the aftertaste. Very fine indeed for the vintage. Tasted October 2011.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal Mar 2012

Vintage performance