Château Angelus 2018

While the estate is totally committed to its ongoing conversion to organic-growing, the work in the vineyard up till mid-July was made particularly challenging by the weather conditions. However, by being constantly at the ready in the vines and uncompromisingly persistent in our work, and with close monitoring on a daily basis, we were able to successfully overcome these difficulties. Then, from July 15 on, exceptional anti-cyclonic conditions set in and continued right through to the end of the harvesting. As a result, a normal crop was produced in terms of quantity and above all a magnificent one in terms of quality. 

With wonderfully fresh Merlot, a selection of very old Cabernet Franc from clay-limestone soils and gentle extractions during the vinification, a truly great vintage of Château Angélus was made. A deep colour immediately catches the eye. Perfect aromatic purity mingling with black fruit notes offers great charm on the nose. On the palate, a touch of sweetness gives way to elegant tension with velvety, refined tannins. The alcohol (lower than in 2010) and the oak are perfectly integrated. The lingering finish is underpinned by the elegance of the Cabernet Franc and the purity of the fruit, intermixed with delicate hints of spice. 

Harvest: 24th September to 11th October
Blend: 65 % Merlot, 35 % Cabernet Franc

The aromas are incredibly complex with dark berries, elderberries, bay leaves, cloves and tile, follow through to a full body with layers of creamy and lightly dusty tannins that deliver a lingering finish and great attention to detail. The flavors range from black fruit to earth and stones. It’s reserved and poised with great intensity and power, in a toned and formed mode. One for the cellar. Try after 2026.

Angelus - 65% Merlot + 35% Cabernet Franc. Stephanie de Bouard-Rivoal, daughter of Hubert de Bouard, took over management and vinification in 2015. She's aimed to change the style of Angelus her father practised, meaning she wanted to reduce the amount of new oak used in the vinification, obtain more freshness and make more delicate grained tannin. She explained in ZOOM interview with me in the mid-December 2020 that she felt she really succeeded with this style changing in 2018 vintage. For me, it was quite a metamorphosis, because remembering barrel sample of same wine tasted in April 2019 being heavy, extracted and oaky, now it turning into sublime, sophisticated and incredibly complex wine. Imposing effort for sure and woman touch wine for real! 98p

An exceptional wine starting a new era at Château Angélus. The colour is of intense purple with violet hue and black core. The nose shows a rich and multi-layered character with excellent aromatic depth. Aroma reminiscent of ripe blackberries, black cherries and sweet elderberries, mild spices and liquorice, with a slightly flowery touch in the background. On the palate well structured with excellent depth and length, complex flavour repeating aromatic components of the nose, complex wine with wonderful freshness and a extremely promising potential.