Château Angelus - Saint-Émilion 2019

In Saint-Émilion, on the right bank of the Bordeaux wine region in France, the renowned Château Angélus stands as a shining beacon of light and has brought forth centuries of winemaking, producing the most exceptional wines. This prestigious estate has a rich history, a dedication to quality, and a unique approach to winemaking that has earned it a place among the elite châteaux in the world.

The very soul of Château Angélus is rooted in the Angelus prayer, a tradition dating back to the fifteenth century. Nestled in a natural amphitheatre dominated by the majestic spires of three churches in Saint-Émilion, the vineyards resonate with the echoes of bells ringing the Angelus in the morning, at noon, and in the evening. This sacred rhythm sounded during the laborious days of those toiling in the vineyards, creating moments of reflection and meditation. The great French impressionist painter, Jean-François Millet, perfectly captured this spiritual interlude in his masterpiece, "The Angelus," now displayed at the Musée d'Orsay.

The tradition, instituted by Pope Callistus III in 1456 after a triumphant battle, mandated that all bells across Christendom toll daily to mark the Angelus prayer. This practice, a moment of gratitude and reflection, became the inspiration behind the symbolic bell that graces the label of Château Angélus bottles—a poignant reminder of the estate's spiritual heritage.

“Redcurrants, sweet tobacco and flowers with some sandalwood. Very perfumed and floral. So pure. Full-bodied, yet so refined and layered, with a soft, compact palate and a crushed-velvet mouth-feel. Poised fruit at the end, together with fresh, rare wood and a light chocolate undertone to the aftertaste. This is open, yet there’s so much in reserve. 60% merlot and 40% cabernet franc. Leave it in the cellar for at least eight years.” - 98 Points, James Suckling

“Based on a final blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Château Angélus is knockout stuff, and while I'm not sure it matches the perfect 2018, it's not far off. Gorgeous notes of redcurrants, blueberries, sandalwood, dried flowers, vanilla, and forest floor are just some of its nuances, and it hits the palate with medium to full body, a perfectly balanced, seamless mouthfeel, beautifully ripe tannins, and a great, great finish. It doesn't have the sheer weight or richness of, say, the 1998, 2000, 2005, or even the 2009, but it doesn't lack for intensity or power, and it’s just a beautiful example of modern-day Saint-Emilion. It's already approachable (this was best on day two) yet will keep for another 30+ years. Best after 2022.” - 98 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

"A supremely elegant Angélus full of power. Here the quality of the fruit and the depth of plum, damson, black cherry and cassis is evident, along with tension, freshness - a slow melding of flavour through the palate with concentration and depth. Liquorice root and baked earth come in from the mid palate and this has the feeling of a being a serious wine that is going to go the distance. The exuberance and confidence of Angelus comes as it opens, with the flavours and texture fattening up. The wine will be aged for one year 30hl new oak casks, and then go into barrel but without new oak for the last 10 months. The low pH means maybe a little less fleshy than usual with Angélus, certainly less so than the 2018. This gets better and better in the glass, strongly recommend giving this time.” - 97 Points, Decanter

Producer: Château Angelus

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Varietal: Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Appellation: Saint-Émilion

Vintage: 2019

Size: 750ml