Château ANGÉLUS 2012
The 2012 vintage holds a special place in the history of Château Angélus, as it marks its elevation to the rank of Premier Grand Cru Classé « A » of Saint-Émilion. This recognition crowned several generations of work carried out by the de Boüard de Laforest family on this vineyard located in a natural amphitheater on the southern slope. The clay-limestone and clay soils allow Merlot and Cabernet Franc to express complementary characteristics, between depth, freshness, and aromatic finesse. Cabernet Franc traditionally holds an important place at Angélus, bringing floral and spicy tension to the wine as well as a remarkable aging potential. The year 2012 was also marked by a new milestone in the family history of the estate and significant works undertaken on the property. To celebrate this pivotal period, the vintage was presented in a specially designed packaging. This harvest thus remains closely linked to one of the most symbolic pages of Angélus's contemporary history.
Château Angélus 2012 is based on a blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Franc, a particularly high proportion of the latter in the grand vin. After an irregular spring, summer conditions allowed the grapes to continue ripening in a more favorable context. Careful selection of the berries preserved the precision and balance sought by the estate. Merlot brings flesh, ripe fruit, and breadth to the blend, while Cabernet Franc enhances freshness, floral relief, and structure. The tannins have a fine and enveloping texture that accompanies the wine's density without making it massive. The aging gradually refined this matter, allowing the fruit and terroir nuances to take precedence. With more than a decade of evolution, the vintage now enters an interesting phase where aromatic complexity and suppleness begin to converge.
The color retains a beautiful garnet depth, with ruby nuances that progressively reflect its evolution. The bouquet combines blackberry, black cherry, and blackcurrant with notes of violet, peony, and soft spices. Upon aeration, graphite, blond tobacco, licorice, and a mentholated touch characteristic of ripe Cabernet Franc appear. The palate is ample and velvety, supported by fine tannins that have gradually softened in the bottle. The black fruit remains precise, carried by freshness that gives movement and preserves the overall balance. The finish stretches over spices, graphite, dried flowers, and a slightly smoky nuance. Château Angélus 2012 will accompany roasted pigeon, beef fillet with porcini mushrooms, rack of lamb, veal sweetbreads with morels, or cuisine featuring black truffle.
Grape varieties: 50% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Franc
