Angelus

Château Angélus

Classification: First Growth (Premier Grand Cru Classé B)
Château Angélus, now known simply as Angélus, is only ½ a mile away from the famous bell tower at Saint Emilion and it takes its name from the pealing of the 3 angelus church bells from the chapel at Mazerat and the churches in Saint Martin de Mazerat and Saint Emilion, which the workers in the vineyards could hear as they toiled. Angélus is one of the most prestigious St Emilion estates and has been in the same family for 4 generations. It is currently run by two cousins, Hubert de Boüard de Laforest, and Jean-Bernard Grenie. The ascendant star of Angélus hit new heights of fame when it was fêted as James Bond's preferred tipple in Casino Royale but you don't have to be a film buff to enjoy its rich and concentrated wines.

Angélus began life in 1909, when Comte Maurice de Boüard de Laforest was bequeathed the Domaine de Mazaret and added a small vineyard called Clos de L'Angélus to it in 1924 and another from nearby Beauséjour-Bécot in 1969. It is one of the largest and most sought after estates in Saint Emilion covering 59 acres. Angélus lies on the southern slopes of the côtes of Saint Emilion on clay and limestone soils. The grapes planted are 51% Merlot and 47% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wine Style
The wines of Angélus are deep, mellow and full of character. They have smoky notes of cherries, sweet oak, toffee, dark chocolate, plum and mint. The wines are rich, rounded, concentrated and complex. They age well and need at least 5 years of bottle age before they should be approached.

Owner: De Boüard de Laforest et fils
Château Website: www.chateau-angelus.com
Oenologist: Michel Rolland