Château ANGÉLUS 2018
In Saint-Émilion, Château Angélus occupies a privileged terroir on the southern slope, within a natural amphitheater where the vines benefit from a favorable exposure and a diversity of soils particularly suited to Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The estate has belonged to the de Boüard de Laforest family since the late 18th century, marking its history across eight generations of winemaking. Its name comes from an old plot from which the winemakers could simultaneously hear the Angelus bell rung by several surrounding churches. The vineyard is notably distinguished by the significant role given to Cabernet Franc, an essential grape variety to Angélus's identity and the freshness of its great vintages. Merlot is favored on the more clayey sectors of the slope, while the Cabernet Francs find a remarkable expression on the clay-limestone soils at the foot of the hillside. In 2018, the estate was classified Premier Grand Cru Classé "A" in the then-current Saint-Émilion classification. The estate chose the phoenix as a special emblem for this vintage, evoking a difficult year in the vineyard ultimately transformed into a harvest of remarkable quality.
Château Angélus 2018 blends 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, a high proportion of the latter that highlights the unique character of the cru. The harvest took place from September 18 to October 9, allowing each plot to be picked progressively at its optimal maturity level. The Merlots retained remarkable freshness despite the generosity of the vintage, while a selection of very old Cabernet Francs from clay-limestone terroirs gave the wine its backbone. In the cellar, extractions were deliberately carried out gently to preserve the finesse of the tannins and the aromatic brightness of the grapes. The aging in wood then accompanies a dense material without seeking to erase the natural tension of the blend. The richness of the vintage thus finds its counterpoint in the freshness of the Cabernet Franc and in a particularly refined tannic structure. This 2018 belongs to the deep and ambitious expressions of Angélus, designed to develop slowly in the bottle.
The color is deep, almost black in its youth, with garnet and violet nuances. The bouquet unfolds ripe black fruits, blackberry and wild cherry, then evolves towards violet, peony, graphite, and fine spices. Aeration gradually reveals notes of cocoa, licorice, cedar, and a slightly smoky touch that accompanies the fruit without dominating it. The palate impresses with its breadth and enveloping texture, supported by velvety but still structuring tannins. Merlot gives generous flesh while Cabernet Franc brings verticality, floral freshness, and length. The very persistent finish returns to black fruits, spices, stone, and a mentholated touch that lightens the richness of the whole. This great Saint-Émilion will naturally find its place alongside a beef fillet, roasted rack of lamb, pigeon with porcini mushrooms, royal hare, or black truffle cuisine.
Grape varieties: 60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc
