2021 Château Angélus

Early September rains tested the Saint-Émilion vineyards, yet the estate's clay-limestone slopes provided crucial drainage and ripening conditions. Late summer sun allowed the Cabernet Franc on the côtes to develop fully, particularly in the amphitheater-shaped parcels. The wine shows dark fruits, tobacco, and limestone minerality with the profound depth typical of this grand cru classé A.

Historic summer heat challenged Saint-Émilion, yet the estate's clay-limestone slopes provided crucial water reserves during severe drought. Early August harvest preserved freshness, particularly in the amphitheater's old-vine parcels. The wine shows concentrated black fruits, dark spice, and mineral notes with remarkable power from this unprecedented vintage.

The 2005 vintage in Bordeaux was near-perfect, with a warm, dry growing season that delivered small, concentrated berries of exceptional ripeness and balance. Château Angélus excelled in these conditions, crafting a wine of remarkable precision, richness, and longevity. Considered one of the greatest vintages of the 21st century, 2005 is a benchmark year for Bordeaux.

Early growth was followed by slow ripening due to August and early September weather, preserving freshness and aging potential. Healthy, perfectly ripe grapes allowed for meticulous harvesting. The resulting wines are dense with vibrant fruit aromas and subtle toasty notes, offering balance and elegant freshness.

Since the vines were clean and disease-free, harvesting began late on 3rd October. Picking could really be carried out depending solely on the ripeness of each plot and only on fine days. The deep black Merlot with the Cabernet Franc that traditionally does so well at Angelus, produced outstandingly dense wines with thick, richly supple, round body. The aromas are reminiscent of black berries and plum as well as delicate mineral and flowery notes. Long and fresh on the palate, their concentration is expressed as a silky elegance.

These wines exhibit a deep, inky black color. Their nose reveals fresh, ripe fruit aromas that avoid any hint of jamminess. The bouquet is dominated by pure notes of red cherries, raspberries, and blackberries. On the palate they display lovely concentration with substance, but are in no way heavy. Their silky tannins balance perfectly with their supple richness. These wines are powerful and concentrated, but velvet smooth and subtle too.

Perfect summer conditions and cool nights allowed for steady ripening across the estate's clay-limestone slopes and côtes. The old vines, particularly Cabernet Franc in the natural amphitheater, reached optimal maturity under clear autumn skies. The wine displays profound black fruits, graphite, and limestone notes with remarkable tension between power and freshness.

Unusual weather patterns this vintage demanded constant adaptation from the estate's teams. They maintained rigorous vineyard management, including cover crop control, tilling, and early canopy work, to counter the challenging conditions. These wines start with pure ripe fruit aromas. After a precise attack they display fine, silky, tight-knit tannins and a lovely mouth-filling feel. Very elegant finish.

October sun proved crucial after an uneven summer in Saint-Émilion, while Angélus's amphitheater positioning maximized late-season ripening hours. The estate's limestone-clay soils regulated moisture through periods of drought and rain. The Cabernet Franc on limestone plateaus achieved full maturity, lending aromatic lift and precision to the final blend.

The 2015 vintage in Saint-Émilion was exceptional, with ideal weather conditions throughout the growing season. Warm days and cool nights in September helped refine grape ripeness, producing wines with impressive balance and elegance. At Château Angélus, this translated into a blend of ripe Merlot and refined Cabernet Franc, creating a wine with depth, silky tannins, and fresh, rich fruit flavors—a true reflection of the region's excellence in 2015.

The 2016 vintage had ideal weather, with a wet spring followed by a dry, sunny summer and perfectly timed rain in September. Château Angélus produced a wine of exceptional balance, combining concentration with remarkable freshness and precision. It is hailed as one of the greatest modern Bordeaux vintages.

Spring frost impacted yields across Saint-Émilion, though the estate's elevated slopes provided natural protection for many parcels. Late summer warmth ensured full ripeness in the surviving crop, particularly in the amphitheater's Cabernet Franc. The wine shows black fruits, spice, and limestone notes with surprising depth for this challenging year.

Intense summer heat concentrated fruit on the estate's clay-limestone slopes, while deep soils sustained vines through drought conditions. The amphitheater's natural ventilation provided crucial cooling during the warmest periods. The wine reveals profound black fruits, dark spice, and crushed stone notes with remarkable density characteristic of this solar vintage.

Chateau Angélus's 2019 offering demonstrates the estate's ability to excel in increasingly warm growing seasons. A mild spring led to even flowering, but June brought a heatwave that required precise vineyard management to prevent sun damage. Timely rains in July and August refreshed the vines, while a dry, warm September allowed for optimal ripening of both Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The result is a wine of remarkable balance, combining the ripeness of a warm year with the classic freshness and structure that Angélus is known for.

Angélus' clay-limestone soils maintained crucial balance through 2020's summer heat on Saint-Émilion's south-facing slopes. The vintage's drought conditions concentrated the fruit while cold nights preserved freshness in the estate's old Cabernet Franc vines. The wine reveals intense black fruits and truffle notes, while the amphitheater-shaped vineyard's varying exposures contribute remarkable complexity.

The 2021 vintage from Chateau Angélus showcases the estate's skill in navigating one of the most challenging vintages in recent memory. Severe spring frost in April significantly reduced yields across Bordeaux, including at Angélus. The summer was unusually cool and wet, increasing disease pressure and requiring meticulous canopy management and green harvesting to ensure proper ripening. Despite these obstacles, the experienced team at Angélus made rigorous selections during harvest and vinification, producing a wine that beautifully reflects both the terroir and the unique character of this testing vintage, with a focus on elegance and aromatic complexity.