The grape picking starts with the earliest Merlots on September 12th. After many puases in order to refine the selection and harvest each variety and each plot at opitmum maturity, we pick the last Cabernet Francs on October 3rd. The grapes are in a perfect state of heatlh, beutifully concnetrated, with a beautiful film and ripe tannins. The vats of Merlots are between 13.5% and 14.2% vol., whilst the wonderfully balanced Cabernet Francs are between 14.3% and 15.3% vol., a concentration never before seen. The system of receiving the harvest has been further improved by the installation of a third vibrating sorting table (one before de-stalking and two after, 25-30 sorters for only 14 cutters). The steel, wooden and concrete tanks are still filled by conveyor belts only. The plot selection, determination of the harvesting dates, sorting at the storehouse and the precision of the winemaking is the work of a true expert. The 2003 vintage, with a blench consisting mainly of Cabernet Franc is one of the best Chateau Angelus’ best years.

Rating

Kudos to proprietor Hubert Bouard, who has been making brilliant wines at this estate since the mid- to late-1980s. A blend of 58% Cabernet Franc and 42% Merlot, the beautiful 2003 (14% alcohol; 6,500 cases produced) is somewhat tightly knit, but it reveals a perfumed nose of rose petals, blackberries, menthol, and cedar. This broad, sweet 2003’s supple attack is followed by a tannic mid-section. The wine does not appear to be as dense or structured as the 2004. Given the high percentage of Cabernet Franc, it is likely to put on considerable weight in the bottle. This beauty is slightly different not only because of the torrid vintage conditions, but also because it incorporates the highest percentage of Cabernet Franc ever utilized at Angelus. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2023. Robert Parker 93 points (Apr 2006)