Château Angélus St-Emilion 2021 - 1er Grand Cru Classé A

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

In the heart of the Saint-Émilion coast, in the most prestigious area of the appellation, facing south, Angélus boasts one of the finest terroirs, covering 25 hectares in a single block. This cru, brought to the top by Hubert de Boüard, an outstanding winemaker and the soul of the estate, is now run by his daughter Stéphanie and his nephew Thierry Grenié de Boüard, who have been at the helm since 2016. The estate has few equals. A high percentage of Cabernet Franc (40 to 50%), significant human and financial commitment (the new 2014 winery allows wines of even more impressive precision to be produced, and the recent helium balloon system is there to counteract hail attacks) and, above all, meticulous attention to every detail. All this forms an arsenal of high standards. These constant efforts earned it the supreme rank of Premier Grand Cru Classé A in 2012, an elite recognition that places it on the same level as Cheval Blanc and Ausone. Recently, the transition to organic farming has completed the rise of this wine, which is distinguished by a very unique sensuality and subtle aniseed notes that are found nowhere else. Fresh, elegant, and supported by soft tannins, Angélus remains one of the most complex Saint-Émilion wines on the right bank.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Promoted to the quartet of first growths in the latest Saint-Émilion classification in 2012, no other château has climbed so high in the Bordeaux hierarchy in such a short space of time. This prodigious rise, achieved in two decades, is the work of Hubert de Boüard, a modernist winemaker, great communicator, international consultant, and influential figure in local and national wine-growing circles. 2013 saw the complete renovation and embellishment of the winery, now topped by a spectacular carillon. After restructuring the family estate's vineyards, giving himself every advantage to reach the highest quality levels of the appellation, Hubert de Boüard handed over the reins. In 2017, Thierry Grenié-de Boüard joined Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal at the head of the château. The eighth generation took over and made significant changes. Angélus exemplifies the best of the formal and sophisticated perfection of today's great Bordeaux wines. Ten kilometers from Angélus, a new winery will be used for the vinification of Carillon and N°3, the second and third wines, which have their own dedicated plots. With the 2021 vintage, the château will officially become certified organic.

Wine Spectator

Vinous

Jeb Dunnuck

Terre de Vins

About wine:

A historic portion of Cabernet Franc is found in the blend of this 2021 Angelus. All technical risks were taken, including a drastic selection process that resulted in yields of 26 hl/ha. But these sacrifices paid off: superb brightness and definition on the nose, with a vertical, slender, racy, full-bodied aroma. A floral bouquet of peony, violet, and lilac unfolds on a bed of juicy blackcurrant. The palate is straightforward but perfectly creamy, built on a beautiful acidic structure, set with very finely grained tannins, and unfolds with impeccable silkiness, thirst-quenching and invigorating. The significant proportion of barrel aging brings a very mellow woodiness. This is a very fine achievement.

Yves Beck

About wine:

Angélus had already set the tone during the en primeur tasting! It remains true to form with a freshness rarely seen at the estate, featuring notes of garrigue complemented by hints of black berries. Although the wine is Angélus first and foremost, rather than a 2021 vintage, the style specific to the vintage and the high proportion of Cabernet Franc is evident. The focus is therefore on the strengths associated with this, namely floral nuances, freshness, elegance, and character. A wine of character, very accomplished, which shows another way forward and highlights the teams' ability to manage such vintages. A racy, tight, precise, and conquering wine, full of finesse, ready for the decades to come.

Vert de Vin

About wine:

The nose is fruity, fresh, elegant, racy, and offers a fine firmness and a delicate velvety texture. A very nice grain. There are notes of fresh/creamy blueberry, Boysenberry, and more lightly ripe strawberry combined with hints of fresh blond tobacco, flowers, and a discreet touch of spice. The palate is beautifully executed, fresh, balanced, mineral, and offers tension, precision, a tangy structure, a little firmness, acidity, a very fine creaminess, integrity, and class. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of fleshy blueberry, creamy blackberry and, more subtly, fresh flowers combined with hints of fresh/pulpy raspberry and touches of cornflower and chocolate. The tannins are mellow, rich, precise, straightforward, and well-structured. Beautiful salinity. Lovely richness and chewiness on the finish. Very nice freshness on the finish. A wine that reveals itself slowly and requires patience.

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

About wine:

Unexpected is the title of this vintage at Angélus. Very intense purple color with violet highlights and a black core. An Angélus based on Cabernet Franc that is initially slightly closed. After a moment of contact with the air, the wine opens up and presents aromas of blackcurrant, ripe plums, black cherries, blackberries, very discreet spices, and subtle roasting. A very elegant and expressive nose. The palate is very elegant, persistent, and well-structured with excellent length. A wine of great freshness, with powerful yet silky tannins—a great Angélus.

Anthocyanes - Yohan Castaing

About wine:

Aromatic brilliance, notes of black fruit, violet, graphite, and blackberry. Very complex and fresh. A hint of spice on the palate for a Château Angélus that is slightly earthy and root-like with aromas of licorice and gentian. Beautiful bitterness. A wine built on tension and linearity. Very distinctive.