2020 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 in 1900, Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal is the third woman in charge of this domain, which she has seen grow. She is aware of the task entrusted to her in 2012 and of the responsibilities that this entails. She represents the values that have guided her family in the history of this domain: integrity, work, humility and a sense of duty. Together with her cousin, she continues the work of their ancestors with the sole purpose of defending the grandeur of Angélus and ensuring that this name, synonymous with excellence and timelessness, lives on.

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 superclass 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 type of soil: 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 advances the ripening of the grapes. The soil has natural drainage due to 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 luscious "it takes your breath away" according to leading wine magazines in the world. It needs no further explanation why this has become one of the most sought after wines in the world.

The Château Angélus 1e Grand Cru Classé Saint-Emilion is an extremely refined and sharpened Angelus with superfine tannins and sweet ripe fruit in the central palate. It's full, yet sleek and so polished. Silky smooth. Very subtle. Bright blue fruit, black fruit and seeds. Supple and mineral. 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc.

The wine displays a brilliant, dense, very dark, almost black color with dark purple tones, mirroring the perfect ripeness of the grapes and their optimal pH level. The nose exhibits intense aromas of juicy black fruits, such as wild cherries and blackberries. Elegant floral notes then come through, such as peony and violets. Refined tannins underpin a long-lasting, spherical, voluptuous structure on the palate, while the flavors linger long, bringing a sensation of freshness and harmony. This vintage displays a seldom-achieved degree of elegance, while the highest levels of purity and precision are reached with this blend of extraordinary Merlot and characterful Cabernet Franc.

Harvest: 15th to 30th September
Blend: 60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc