Château Angélus 1er Grand Cru Classé A 2020

Region and Vineyards

Château Angélus is located in the southern slopes of Saint-Émilion, at the foot of the limestone plateau. The estate’s vineyards are a mosaic of clay-limestone and clay-silica soils, offering optimal water retention and mineral expression. The amphitheatre-like configuration of the slopes ensures ideal sun exposure and drainage.

The 2020 growing season was shaped by an exceptionally wet winter and spring, building water reserves that proved vital during the very dry, hot summer that followed. Despite a long drought, the vines thrived thanks to their deep root systems and the water-retentive nature of the soils. Harvest took place from September 15 to 30, under perfect weather conditions, ensuring healthy, ripe, phenolically rich fruit.

Winemaking

The final blend of Château Angélus 2020 is composed of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, reflecting the increasing importance of Cabernet Franc at the estate. The grapes were harvested at optimal ripeness and vinified with utmost precision.

Although specific vinification details are not listed in the document, Angélus typically conducts parcel-by-parcel vinification in temperature-controlled vats, with gentle extraction tailored to each plot. Aging is traditionally conducted in 100% new French oak barrels for approximately 18 to 22 months, adding complexity, depth, and finesse.

The 2020 vintage yielded a wine with brilliant concentration, polished tannins, and a signature aromatic floral lift. The winemaking team, led by Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal, achieved a rare balance between power and precision—testament to both terroir and vision.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, opaque purple with violet hues, indicating perfect ripeness and optimal pH balance.
• Aroma: Bursting with dark fruits—wild cherry, blackberry, and blackcurrant—followed by floral notes of peony and violet, and a hint of fine spice.
• Palate: Silky and voluptuous, with refined tannins forming a spherical, persistent structure. The mid-palate is lush yet energetic, and the finish glides with freshness, elegance, and tension. A complete, expressive wine of great purity.

Did you know?

Château Angélus owes its name to the Angelus bell that once rang simultaneously from three nearby churches, audible from the vineyards. In 2012, the estate achieved the coveted Premier Grand Cru Classé A status—among the elite few in Saint-Émilion.

Sustainability is now a core focus of Angélus. The estate employs biodiversity-focused farming, including cover crops, natural soil aeration, and agroforestry initiatives. These practices reflect its commitment to maintaining balance between vine, soil, and environment for future generations.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Filet mignon with black truffle sauce: Matches the wine’s opulence and layered complexity.
• Pigeon breast with red berry jus: Echoes the fruit-forward nature and floral lift of the wine.
• Wild mushroom and chestnut ragout: A rich, earthy pairing that draws out the Cabernet Franc character.
• Aged Mimolette or Beaufort: Complements the wine’s depth and mineral vibrancy.

History of Château Angélus

The story of Château Angélus begins in the 18th century, when the Boüard de Laforest family, established in Saint-Émilion since 1782, began acquiring vineyards in the region. The estate as it exists today took shape during the early 20th century, when Maurice de Boüard de Laforest consolidated several parcels—including Clos de l’Angélus and Château Mazerat—into a single property.

The estate was named Château Angélus in reference to a unique site in the vineyard from which the Angelus bell of three surrounding churches could be heard ringing simultaneously. The name embodies the spiritual and cultural heritage of Saint-Émilion and remains a defining symbol of the estate’s identity.

Under the leadership of Hubert de Boüard de Laforest, an oenologist trained at the University of Bordeaux, Angélus experienced a renaissance in the late 20th century. He introduced modern winemaking techniques, including gravity-fed vinification, parcel-by-parcel vinification, and rigorous vineyard management, all while respecting the estate’s traditional identity.

In 2012, Angélus was elevated to Premier Grand Cru Classé A, joining the top tier of Saint-Émilion alongside Ausone, Cheval Blanc, and Pavie. In 2022, the estate voluntarily withdrew from the classification, citing its evolution toward independence and long-term vision beyond formal rankings.

Today, Angélus is managed by Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal, representing the 8th generation of the family. Under her stewardship, the estate has intensified its commitment to environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and precision viticulture.

Region and Vineyards

Château Angélus is located on the southern slope of Saint-Émilion, nestled in an amphitheatre-shaped terroir that benefits from exceptional sun exposure. The estate covers approximately 42 hectares, divided between Saint-Émilion and some adjoining parcels in Castillon.

The vineyards sit at the foot of the limestone plateau, where clay-limestone and clay-silica soils provide a unique balance of water retention and drainage. These soil types are particularly suited to Merlot, which thrives on clay, and Cabernet Franc, which flourishes on limestone, bringing freshness and aromatic complexity.

The grape varieties are planted in a roughly 60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc ratio, although this may vary slightly by vintage. The estate’s Cabernet Franc, in particular, has become a defining feature, contributing structure, floral lift, and tension.

Vineyard practices are now deeply focused on sustainability and ecological balance. Angélus employs cover crops, biodiversity corridors, natural soil aeration, and manual canopy management. The estate holds HVE (High Environmental Value) certification and continues to move toward organic and regenerative agriculture.

Wine Range of Château Angélus

The estate produces three wines:

• Château Angélus (Grand Vin): The flagship wine of the estate and one of the most celebrated wines of the Right Bank. Crafted with precision and aged in 100% new French oak barrels, it combines power and grace, showcasing the full expression of Merlot and Cabernet Franc from the estate's best parcels.
• Carillon d’Angélus: The second wine, introduced in 1987, sourced from younger vines and select parcels. Carillon expresses the elegance and accessibility of Angélus in a more forward-drinking style, but with the same rigorous selection.
• No. 3 d’Angélus: A third label introduced for broader accessibility, offering a fresh, fruit-forward expression of the house style.

All wines are made using parcel-by-parcel vinification, gravity-fed systems, and fine-tuned extraction techniques. The aging regimen is adapted to each wine, with the grand vin typically aged 18 to 22 months in 100% new oak.

Did you know?

Château Angélus has long been a symbol of balance between heritage and modernity. The iconic image of a bell on the label is more than a brand; it commemorates the acoustic intersection of three local church bells heard from the vineyard during the traditional Angelus prayer.

In 2016, the estate inaugurated a new winery, combining state-of-the-art equipment with aesthetic and architectural harmony, earning it recognition as one of the most advanced cellars in Bordeaux.

Château Angélus also has strong cultural ties. The wine famously featured in the James Bond film “Casino Royale”, cementing its image as both prestigious and contemporary.