Chateau Angelus 2022, Saint Emilion, France
Country: France Region: Bordeaux (Saint-Emilion)
Varietal: Merlot 60%, Cabernet franc 40%
Vintage: 2022 Colour: Red Style: Dry
Producer: Château Angelus
Tasting Notes
Stéphanie de Boüard Rivoal considers this a near-perfect vintage and a culmination of decades of work. She must take credit for subtle changes since she took charge in 2012, including earlier harvests, softer extraction and gentler élevage.
These and other elements combine to produce a wine that still has all of Angelus’s opulence but also values restraint. The character of the vintage is expressed by dark cherry, alcohol-infused fruit and a hint of bitter chocolate, sensations that coat the tongue yet have a bounce of vivacity at the finish. It tastes luxurious in every sense.
Drink 2030 - 2055
A great Saint-Émilion that entices with freshness and complexity
The property
Chateau Angelus is an emblematic wine, taking its name from the winegrowers who heard the bells of three churches in the heart of the famous medieval town of Saint-Émilion ringing simultaneously. This legendary property of the appellation was founded in 1782 and, for 8 generations, the de Boüard de Laforest family has overseen this exceptional heritage.
The vineyard
This Château Angélus 2022 is a Saint-Émilion wine from a 30-hectare vineyard. The vines are 39 years old on average and are located on the southern slopes of Saint Emilion in the famous "pied de côte" at the base of the hills, a terroir which stretches over clay-limestone soils. The property is committed to the protection of its environment and is in the process of converting to organic farming. The vineyard is certified as a level 3 High Environmental Value vineyard.
The vintage
Although the mild and dry winter favoured an early budding of the vines, it was marked by episodes of frost, which had no impact thanks to the rigorous management of the vineyard. The storms in the spring allowed the water reserves in the soil to be replenished. A rapid and even flowering preceded a qualitative grape setting, suggesting a great vintage. The hot and dry conditions of the summer had little impact on the vineyard, thanks to the important work of modulating the plant cover, limiting soil evaporation and preserving the coolness of the soil. The rainfall recorded during the summer and at the end of August was ideal for boosting ripeness. Harvesting began on 6 September with the Merlot grapes, and the Cabernet Franc grapes were harvested from 20 September.
The precision of the vineyard management and the resistance of the vines to hot and dry conditions are major assets in order to produce a delightful vintage of freshness, energy and tension.
Winemaking and ageing
Grapes were harvested by plot at perfect ripeness. Vinification in wooden and stainless steel vats for the Merlot and in concrete vats for the Cabernet Franc. Pre-fermentation maceration at 8°C for a period of 4 days to one week. Alcoholic fermentation up to 28°C. Post-fermentation maceration at 28-30°C for one to three weeks. Entonnage following run-off. Aged for 22 months in new French oak barrels.
Tasting
Colour
The wine is of a deep, beautiful purplish colour, adorned with dark purple highlights.
Nose
The nose allures with its freshness and rich aromatic palette that releases fragrances of fresh black fruit and violets.
Palate
Harmoniously combining smoothness, finesse and precision, the palate makes its mark with its freshness, salinity and fruity framework. The finish is lingering, mingling silky tannins and delicious spicy notes.
