Château Angélus - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2025 (Primeurs)

Blended in equal parts from Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this Angélus is a true work of art. Brilliant tannins, peppery floral notes, pure fruit, and an ethereal finish come together to create a moving, great wine.

Located in the heart of the Saint-Émilion coast, 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 heart and 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. It features a high percentage of Cabernet Franc (40 to 50%), significant human and financial investment (the new winery built in 2014 enables the production of wines of even more impressive precision, and the recent helium balloon system is designed to counteract hail damage), and above all, meticulous attention to every detail. All of this adds up to a set of exceptionally high standards. These constant efforts earned the estate the highest ranking of Premier Grand Cru Classé A in 2012, an elite distinction that places it on the same level as Cheval Blanc or Ausone. Recently, the transition to organic farming has completed the estate’s rise to prominence; it stands out for its highly distinctive sensuality and subtle anise notes found nowhere else. Fresh, elegant, and supported by velvety tannins, Angélus remains one of the most complex Saint-Émilions on the Right Bank.

 

Promoted to the top four Grand Cru Classé A estates in the most recent Saint-Émilion classification in 2012, 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 modernist winemaker, master communicator, and international consultant, and a leading figure in local and national wine industry organizations. In 2013, the winery underwent a complete renovation and beautification, and is now crowned with 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 stepped down. In 2017, Thierry Grenié-de Boüard joined Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal at the helm of the château. The eighth generation has taken the reins and is significantly reshaping the landscape. 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 sourced from dedicated plots. With the 2021 vintage, the château will officially obtain its organic certification.

The fruit’s purity is exceptional, with a long, linear palate featuring wonderfully balanced aromas and flavors of raspberry, cherry, and blueberry. Medium-bodied. The tannins are barely perceptible, but you know they’re there. Such a silky, endless finish. It possesses all the fruity power of the finest vintages. 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Franc.

It is indeed the freshness of the Cabernet Franc that dominates the bouquet… and this bodes very well for the Merlot, as it allows it to shine where it usually does—though in moderation—through nuances of ripe black berries, sweet spices, and licorice. The attack, somewhat overshadowed by this imposing bouquet of freshness and complexity, takes on a more delicate character. It begins by highlighting the wine’s freshness before giving way to elegance and precision. These two elements set the stage with serenity and efficiency. Thus, the wine benefits from the subtle support of tannins that gradually reveal themselves, accentuating their vigor on the finish, while the acidity channels their assertive character. It’s a matter of finding common ground and creating balance. The harmony is evident and well-achieved, as the wine’s performance is immediate. Thus, the balance between character, fullness, charm, and liveliness is remarkably coherent. There are many elements, but never too many; there is incredible power and exhilarating acidity; there is simply an extraordinary balance that unites paradoxes and opposites, leading them toward a joyful harmony! A profound wine that channels its energies with brilliance and lays the groundwork essential for heralding a great wine. An Angélus that stands on its own, that celebrates its authenticity, that does not seek to enchant—it aims to convince, inspire, and invite everyone to listen to it, interpret it, and love it. Aaaah, aren’t love stories made up of paths that cross and clash, only to lead to a deeper understanding? A truly great Angélus! 2032–2065

Deep purple color with violet highlights and a black core. A wine of great purity. An aromatic and refined nose with delicate aromas reminiscent of peonies, ripe blackberries, and juicy plums, with notes of dark chocolate and cocoa in the background. On the palate, elegant fruit that mirrors the nose, beautiful minerality, and subtle oak with an elegant toasty character, as well as excellent depth and length.