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

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

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

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 distinction that places it on the same level as Cheval Blanc or Ausone. Recently, the transition to organic farming has completed the rise of this estate, 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 estate:

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

About the estate:

Promoted to the top four of the First Growths in the 2012 Saint-Émilion 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 modernist winemaker, master communicator, and international consultant—a key figure in local and national wine industry circles. In 2013, the winery underwent a complete renovation and enhancement, 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:

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

Jeb Dunnuck

Yves Beck

About the wine:

It is indeed the freshness of the Cabernet Franc that dominates the bouquet… and this bodes well for the Merlot, as it allows it to shine where it usually does—though in moderation—through nuances of ripe black berries, mild spices, and licorice. The attack, somewhat intimidated by this imposing bouquet of freshness and complexity, takes a more delicate approach. It begins by highlighting the present 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 to accentuate their vigor on the finish, while the acidic structure channels their assertive character. It is a matter of coming together and creating balance. The harmony is evident and successful, as the wine’s performance is immediate. Thus, the balance between temperament, fullness, charm, and liveliness is of rare consistency. 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 values its authenticity, that does not seek to enchant—it aims to convince, to inspire, and to invite everyone to listen to it, interpret it, and love it. Ah, aren’t love stories made of paths that meet and clash only to understand each other better? A truly great Angélus! 2032–2065

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

About the wine:

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 elegant toasty notes, as well as excellent depth and length.