Chateau Angelus 2021

A complex and balanced Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru

The estate

The Premier Cru Classe Chateau Angelus takes its name from the winegrowers who used to simultaneously ring the three church bells situated in the heart of the famous medieval town of Saint-Emilion. This legendary estate was founded in 1782 and, for 8 generations, the de Bouard de Laforest family has carefully guarded its exceptional legacy.

The vineyard

Chateau Angelus 2021 is a Saint-Emilion wine that stems from a 27-hectare vineyard. The vines are 39 years old on average and are located on the southern hills of Saint-Emilion, within the infamous "pied de côte". This terroir extends over clay-limestone soils. The property is committed to the protection of its environment and is in the process of converting to organic farming. The vineyard boasts a High Environmental Value level 3 certificate.

The vintage

A mild, rainy winter preceded a period of frost during spring, followed by a particularly wet episode which led to a strong mildew pressure that affected the vineyard. The mild conditions from mid-August until the end of the harvest, along with the teams’ diligence, were ideal and helped to refine the ripeness levels and preserve the vineyard’s healthy condition. Despite low yields, the perfectly-ripe grapes showcase a balanced, fruity and fresh expression with smooth, fine tannins. This 2021 vintage has left its mark on the history of the estate, as for the first time in the history of Angelus the blend is composed of 60% Cabernet Franc.

Vinification and aging

Following a rigorous densimetric sorting, the vinification process is carried out in wooden and stainless steel vats for the Merlot grapes, and in concrete vats for the Cabernet Franc grapes. A pre-fermentation maceration lasting between 4 days to a week is carried out on certain vats, depending on the specificities of the grapes. An alcoholic fermentation and a post-fermentation maceration for 1 to 3 weeks is then carried out. The wine is put into barrels as soon as it is run off. The wine is aged for 22 months in new French oak barrels for the Merlot and some Cabernet Franc grapes. A special aging process is carried out in 30 hl tuns for the Cabernet Franc which are selected for their aromatic richness.

The blend

Cabernet Franc (60%)

Merlot (40%).

Chateau Angelus 2021: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Color

Deep and brilliant, this wine showcases a seductively lively and intense color.

Nose

A discreet first nose reveals subtle fruity (red fruits), floral and spicy fragrances, characteristic of the Cabernet Franc varietal. This bouquet is sustained by well-integrated woody notes and reveals the utterly delectable Merlot grapes.

Palate

Fresh and straight, the palate is seduced by this wine’s precision and its exceptional length. Harmoniously combining a great precision with an aerial feel, the palate is marked by the wine's complexity, richness and balance.