Chateau Angelus Facts

From the vineyards at Chateau Angelus, one can hear the smiling, Angelus bells of three surrounding churches, and since 1985, it certainly seems like someone, or something, has been smiling down on this magnificent terroir. Incidentally, 1985 is also the year that Hubert de Bouard de Laforest took over the family business. Hubert, who studied with Emile Peynaud at Bordeaux, stepped in and took the place by storm, replacing old vats in the cellar, adding new wood to the barrels and climatizing the entire operation; a little help from Michel Rolland and Chateau Angelus was on its way up. In 2012 it was elevated to Premier Grand Cru Classe A, joining Ausone, Cheval Blanc and Pavie in that very elite group.

Varietals Produced at Chateau Angelus

Its 23.4 hectare vineyard, just west of St. Emilion, is planted to 50% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. The south facing slopes help the grapes attain full ripeness, contributing to the intensity of the wine, which is as extroverted as Bordeaux gets. Saturated dark ruby color, considerable power and richness and huge but ripe tannins characterize the Grand Vin, while the second wine, Carillon d'Angelus, is a medium bodied blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc in equal parts.