Château Angélus 2018 - Saint-Emilion 1er Grand Cru Classé A

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

This first organic vintage offers superb freshness, from its exceptionally pure aromas to its magnificent finish, carried by the subtlety of the great Cabernet Franc grapes. There is no trace of aging, as everything is perfectly integrated.

About the estate:

Located in the heart of the Saint-Émilion hillside, in the appellation’s most prestigious sector, with a south-facing exposure, Angélus boasts one of the finest terroirs, spanning 25 hectares in a single block. This estate, brought to the pinnacle of success by Hubert de Boüard—an exceptional winemaker and the soul of the place—is now led by his daughter Stéphanie and his nephew Thierry Grenié de Boüard, who have been at the helm since 2016. The estate has few equals. A high percentage of Cabernet Franc (40 to 50%), significant human and financial investment (the new winery built in 2014 allows for the production of wines of even more impressive precision, and the recent helium balloon system is in place to counteract hail damage), and above all, meticulous attention to every detail. All of this forms a high-standard arsenal. These constant efforts earned it the supreme rank of Premier Grand Cru Classé A in 2012, an elite recognition that places it on the same level as Cheval Blanc or Ausone. Recently, the transition to organic farming has completed the rise of this wine, which stands out for its unique sensuality and subtle aniseed notes found nowhere else. Fresh, elegant, and supported by velvety tannins, Angélus remains one of the most complex Saint-Émilions on the Right Bank.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Angélus 2018 is a blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc, aged primarily in 100% new oak barrels, plus two new large oak casks. Deep garnet-purple in color, it struts flamboyantly with elegant aromas of black raspberries, Boysenberries, and Black Forest cake, plus hints of rose oil, forest floor, dusty earth, and cinnamon toast with a touch of cedar. The medium- to full-bodied palate carries a touch of new oak at this youthful stage, framing the generous red and black fruits with ripe, velvety grape-skin tannins and flawless freshness, leading to a long, spicy finish. Give it 5 to 6 years in the cellar to let everything come together, then enjoy it over the next 20 years and beyond.

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

It was a challenging year—the first of our transition to organic farming—and also the one that brought the most grueling spring for the winemaker, due to a devastating outbreak of downy mildew. But thanks to the teams, who worked tirelessly over several consecutive weekends, we were able to produce a wine with a beautiful range of fruit flavors—a wine that remains bright, though still dominated by oak.

About the estate:

Promoted to the top tier of Saint-Émilion’s First Growths in the 2012 classification, no other château has climbed so far up the Bordeaux hierarchy in such a short time. This remarkable rise, achieved over two decades, is the work of Hubert de Boüard, a modern winemaker, skilled communicator, and international consultant—a key figure in local and national wine industry bodies. 2013 saw the complete renovation and beautification of the winery, now crowned by a spectacular carillon. After restructuring the family estate’s vineyard parcels, giving it every advantage to reach the appellation’s highest standards of quality, Hubert de Boüard is stepping down. In 2017, Thierry Grenié-de Boüard joined Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal at the helm of the château. The eighth generation is taking the reins and making significant changes. Angélus exemplifies the best of the formal and sophisticated perfection found in today’s great Bordeaux wines. Ten kilometers from Angélus, a new winery will be used for the vinification of Carillon and N°3, the second and third wines, each with their own dedicated plots. With the 2021 vintage, the château will officially obtain its organic certification.

Wine Spectator

Vinous

James Suckling

About the wine:

Mild tobacco and black olives with hints of basil and terracotta. Violets and black berries, too. Very refined and linear, with freshness and elegance. Full-bodied and tightly structured, with lovely depth. It has a very long finish. Best after 2025, but appealing now.

Jeb Dunnuck

Terre de Vins

About the wine:

This is Angélus’s first vintage since converting to organic farming; they didn’t choose the easiest year, but they’ve come through with flying colors—and then some. The nose displays beautiful aromatic purity, full of vibrancy without being overbearing. The fruit is dense yet restrained, juicy and refined, with hints of medicinal herbs, menthol, and cedar. Great delicacy in the palate: a remarkably velvety, creamy, caressing mouthfeel. It is first and foremost a wine of texture, unfolding like a curve. The overall impression is clean, precise, and well-rounded, with exceptionally refined tannins. A wine that is almost comforting in its generosity and elegance.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

Angélus 2018 reveals itself slowly. Its bouquet gains complexity and intensity as the minutes pass, and the character of the Cabernet Franc (35%) is evident. Pleasant floral nuances give way to notes of blackberries and licorice. Plenty of freshness. Dense yet juicy on the palate. There is depth, fullness, juiciness, and sweetness. Angélus has sometimes been criticized for being a bit “flashy,” so here I’d like to highlight its powerful and distinguished side—or, to put it simply, I’d say “it really packs a punch”! 2024–2045