Château ANGÉLUS 2005
In Saint-Émilion, Château Angélus is set in a natural amphitheater facing south, where the slope and soil diversity provide particularly favorable conditions for Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The de Boüard de Laforest family has been established on these lands since the late 18th century and has gradually built the identity of a cru where Cabernet Franc plays a decisive role. This significant proportion of Cabernet Franc historically distinguishes Angélus from many estates on the right bank and contributes to the freshness, aromatic depth, and aging potential of the wine. In 2005, the property was classified Premier Grand Cru Classé "B" of Saint-Émilion. The estate named this vintage "L’Impétueux," referring to the exceptional character of a year marked by particularly severe drought. Despite this water deficit, favorable temperatures allowed the grapes to reach remarkable maturity while maintaining their balance. The 2005 vintage thus stands out through the combination of natural concentration, persistent freshness, and great aromatic precision.
Château Angélus 2005 blends 62% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Franc. The harvest took place from September 16 to October 1, after a growing season dominated by dry conditions that naturally limited vine vigor. The health of the grapes was remarkable, and their balance between maturity, concentration, and freshness allowed for a particularly high-quality selection. Merlot gives the wine its depth, fleshiness, and richness of fruit, while Cabernet Franc provides structure, floral and spicy nuances, and an essential tension for overall balance. The naturally dense material of the vintage is supported by powerful but ripe tannins, which are expected to slowly integrate with bottle aging. The aging process supports this structure without erasing the fruit's precision or the terroir's mineral character. The estate currently places the optimal tasting period for this vintage between 2030 and 2050, demonstrating its significant aging potential.
The color retains impressive depth, with a dark core and garnet hues that are beginning to gently evolve. The nose combines blackberry, blackcurrant, and black plum with notes of licorice, tobacco, and undergrowth. After aeration, nuances of graphite, cedar, cocoa, and spices appear, while a floral touch recalls the significant presence of Cabernet Franc. The palate is ample and velvety, built around dense material whose tannins remain tight but perfectly balanced. The black fruit retains remarkable intensity, extended by flavors of licorice, blond tobacco, and warm stone. The finish is long and structured, with freshness that avoids any heaviness and suggests several more decades of evolution. This 2005 can accompany a beef filet with porcini mushrooms, roasted pigeon, rack of lamb, royal hare, or cuisine featuring black truffle.
Grape varieties: 62% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Franc
