Angelus
History and Background
Château Angélus has a rich history dating back to the late 18th century. In 1782, Jean de Boüard de Laforest, a King's bodyguard, settled in Saint-Émilion, marking the beginning of the family's long-standing association with the region. The estate's name is inspired by the angelus bells that rang from three local churches—the chapel at Mazerat, the church in Saint-Émilion, and a nearby convent—which were audible from the vineyard at morning, midday, and evening, signaling times of prayer.
In the early 20th century, Maurice de Boüard de Laforest inherited the estate and significantly expanded it, notably adding a 3-hectare plot named Angélus in 1920. His dedication laid the groundwork for the estate's future prominence. Successive generations continued to enhance the vineyard, with Jacques and Christian de Boüard de Laforest further developing the property.
In 1985, Hubert de Boüard de Laforest, representing the seventh generation, took over management of Château Angélus. His visionary approach involved ambitious, innovative practices in viticulture and winemaking, propelling the estate to new heights. He was later joined by his cousin Jean-Bernard Grenié and his daughter Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal in 2012. Stéphanie, the eighth generation and third woman to lead the estate, continues the family's tradition of excellence, blending respect for tradition with a forward-thinking mindset.
Vineyards and Terroir
Château Angélus encompasses 42 hectares (about 104 acres) of vineyards situated in a natural amphitheater on the south-facing slopes of Saint-Émilion. This unique topography creates a microclimate that benefits from optimal sun exposure and natural drainage, leading to an earlier onset of growth and favorable ripening conditions.
The terroir is characterized by a mix of clay-limestone on the hillside and sandy clay-limestone at the foot of the hill. This combination provides a regular supply of water and minerals, essential for vine health and grape quality. The limestone contributes to the elegance and minerality of the wines, while the clay adds structure and depth. The south-facing slope and natural amphitheater enhance temperature concentration during the summer, protecting the vines and promoting even ripening. The slope ensures excellent drainage, and the nearby Dordogne and Isle rivers moderate temperatures, reducing the risk of frost.
Merlot thrives on the clay-rich soils of the hillside, contributing lushness and density to the wines. While Cabernet Franc, which makes up approximately 47% of the vineyard is planted on the warmer sandy clay-limestone soils at the foot of the slope, adding elegance, freshness, and complexity. The average age of the vines is significant, with many over 40 years old, enhancing the concentration and depth of the grapes. This meticulous matching of vine varieties to soil types is a key factor in the estate's ability to produce wines of exceptional quality.
Wine Style and Production
Château Angélus is celebrated for its Grand Vin, which exemplifies a harmonious blend of power and elegance. The wine is primarily composed of Merlot and a significant proportion of Cabernet Franc, a distinctive feature that contributes to its complexity and aging potential.
The estate employs innovative and meticulous practices in the vineyard, with a focus on excellence at every stage. There is a strong emphasis on the life of the soil and the balance of ecosystems. Biodiversity is encouraged through the planting of hedges, fruit trees, and aromatic plants, and by fostering habitats for beneficial fauna such as insects, birds, and bats. Sustainable and gentle methods are embraced to protect the unique terroir. Grapes are hand-picked at optimal ripeness, with rigorous selection to ensure only the finest fruit is used. The early onset of growth due to the favorable microclimate contributes to the wines' lushness and density. The estate's attentive teams monitor and taste the grapes meticulously, allowing the rhythm of the fruit to guide the harvesting process. Traditional techniques are combined with modern innovations. Fermentation is carefully controlled in temperature-regulated vats, and the wines are aged in new French oak barrels to enhance their structure and complexity. Each vintage is approached as a unique composition, crafted in a continuous quest for balance, elegance, and precision.
The resulting wines are characterized by:
Deep Color and Intense Aromatics: Reflecting the concentration of the grapes and meticulous winemaking.
Rich, Opulent Fruit Flavors: Balanced by a strong backbone of acidity and tannin, contributing to their aging potential.
Elegance and Freshness: Thanks to the significant presence of Cabernet Franc, which adds aromatic complexity and a refined structure.
Longevity: The wines have remarkable aging potential, evolving gracefully over decades to reveal layers of complexity and nuanced tertiary aromas and flavors.
Reputation
Château Angélus was elevated to the prestigious classification of Premier Grand Cru Classé A in the Saint-Émilion appellation in 2012, reflecting the estate's unwavering commitment to excellence and its esteemed position among Bordeaux's elite wineries. However, in January 2022, Château Angélus announced its decision to withdraw from the Saint-Émilion classification system. The decision was made to focus on the estate's independence and personal vision of excellence without being constrained by the classification.
Under the stewardship of Hubert de Boüard de Laforest, and now his daughter Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal, the estate underwent significant modernization and innovation, adopting advanced viticultural and winemaking techniques that enhanced the quality and distinction of its wines. These efforts propelled Château Angélus to new prominence in the wine world.
The wines of Angélus have garnered high praise from critics, earning exceptional scores and accolades. They are highly sought after for their quality, elegance, and capacity to age. The estate's dedication to excellence has solidified its reputation as a benchmark for the region, regardless of its classification status.
Final Thoughts
Château Angélus is an icon of Bordeaux winemaking, representing the pinnacle of what the Saint-Émilion region can achieve. With a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, the estate produces wines that showcase a perfect balance of power and elegance. The unique terroir, meticulous viticulture, and bold choice to cultivate a significant proportion of Cabernet Franc contribute to wines of exceptional quality and character.
Owned and meticulously managed by the de Boüard de Laforest family for eight generations, Château Angélus prioritizes the authentic expression of its unique terroir through its primary grape varieties. For those passionate about fine Bordeaux wines, Château Angélus offers a profound and memorable tasting experience, serving as a benchmark for the region and a testament to the enduring legacy of its storied past. Its commitment to excellence ensures that it will continue to shine as a symbol of timeless quality in the world of wine.