2018 Château Angélus 1e Grand Cru Classé Saint-Emilion

Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal and her cousin Thierry Grenié-de Boüard represent the eighth generation of the Boüard de Laforest family, who manage Angélus. After Catherine Sophie de Boüard de Laforest in 1800 and Eugénie Chatenet and 1900, Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal is the third woman at the head of this domain, which she has seen grow. She is aware of the task entrusted to her in 2012 and of the responsibilities this entails. She represents the values that have guided her family throughout the history of this domain: integrity, work, humility and devotion to duty. Together with her cousin, she continues the work of their ancestors with the sole aim of defending the grandeur of Angélus and ensuring the perpetuation of this name, synonymous with excellence and timelessness.

The efforts of the passionate owner, Hubert de Boüard, to make the best wine in Bordeaux were rewarded in 2012 with the promotion of Ch Angelus to the super class A. Only four Saint-Emilions are allowed to carry this highest qualification, Cheval Blanc, Ausone , Pavie and Angelus.

The good ratio between lime and clay ensures an excellent water and mineral balance. The grape varieties are divided according to the soil type: merlots on the flanks (more clay) and cabernets francs on the sand-clay-limestone soils at the foot. The Angelus vineyard is located in a natural amphitheater on the south side and at the foot of Saint-Emilion, which increases the temperature in summer and accelerates the ripening of the grapes. The soil has natural drainage through the slope.

The style of this impressive wine is that of silk and velvet. Rich and delightfully concentrated. This cashmere texture full of spicy black forest fruit and truffle is so opulent that it takes your breath away according to the world's leading wine magazines. It needs no further explanation why this has become one of the most sought after wines in the world.

"This year we have a little less Cabernet Franc in the blend because we only use the oldest vines, planted by my grandfather, as a tribute," said Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal - Angelus' winemaker. The wine is made from 60 to 80 year old Cabernet Franc vines. "As of 2018, 10% of Angélus's total harvest is aged in large oak foudres. These produce tighter, more perfumed, brighter wines due to less exposure to oxygen," noted Stephanie. The Angélus 2018 is a blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc which has matured for 18-22 months in 100% new oak barriques plus two new foudres. In the glass, the Angélus 2018 is deep garnet purple in color. On the nose delicious red and black fruits such as raspberries, kirsch, warm plum and rose scents, building up in intensity to continue with chocolate covered cherries, raspberry coulis, black tea, wood smoke and cinnamon powder and then with some waltzes there is also a touch of black olives and charcuterie. Medium to full bodied on the palate. The palate delivers a wonderfully deep, multi-layered, seamless experience of red and black fruits intertwined with earth, spice and floral notes and framed by exquisitely ripe, satiny tannins, ending with astonishing freshness and length. Both Parker and Suckling lean towards the maximum score of 100 points and Parker ends his rating with: "Incredibly, finely, expertly, seamlessly knit. Stunning"