Wine Critic
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Chateau Angelus Saint Emilion 1er Grand Cru A Classe 2012
Prior to the 2022 vintage, this wine was classed as Premier Grand Cru Classe A. Classified as Premier Grand Cru Classe B from 1996 to 2012.
Critic tasting note: (2012 vintage)
"Just a beauty, this continues to improve in bottle. Deeply colored, and already showing secondary notes of smoke, truffle, plums, cherries and flowers, the wine is full bodied, deep, silky, long and fresh. The endnote is completed by the dusty tannins and hit of dark chocolate. This is good now, and it's only going to get better from here! Give it another 7-8 years and this will just start singing..." - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider (96/100)
"Quite a shy nose, with delicate red-fruit aromas that pull you into this filigree St.-Emilion, the subtle fruit aromas beautifully underlined by the fine tannins that give this wonderful precision and clarity right through the long, elegant finish. Excellent herbal complexity and a lot of freshness there. Drink or hold. Château Quintus vertical tasting. SP." - James Suckling
"In its gold-embossed bottle to celebrate the elevation of Angélus to Premier Grand Cru Classé A in the Saint-Émilion hierarchy, this perfumed wine bursts from the glass. The tannins are totally enveloped by the ripe black plum and berry fruits. WithCabernet Franc in the blend, it is rich and generous, with licorice and black chocolate flavors. Drink this opulent wine from 2022." - Wine Enthusiast
Producer Notes
In the last thirty years, Hubert de Boüard de Laforest has constantly challenged practices and techniques for the benefit of his land and the unique characteristics of the wines grown on it, enabling Château Angélus to be recognised as one of the foremost properties in its appellation area. This recognition has been documented in one classification after another, the last of which awarded Château Angélus the status of Premier Grand Cru Classé "A".
Classification
Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
Drinking Window
2025 - 2045
Maturation
Oaked
Ageing
from 20 to 22 months - in new fine grain French oak barrels with medium char for the Merlot and a part for the Cabernet Franc; - in 30hl foudres for some of the Cabernet Franc, selected for the especially subtle character of its aromas.
Winemaker
Hubert de Boüard de Laforest
Winemaking
Vinifications in oak and stainless steel vats for the Merlot, in concrete vats for the Cabernet Franc - A cold soak at 8°C for some vats, depending on the characteristics of the grapes, for 4 days to one week - Temperature of alcoholic fermentation up to 28°C - Post-fermentation maceration at 28 to 30°C, for 1 to 3 weeks.
Vineyard Notes
Surface area 27 hectares (66 acres) Location South-facing slope of Saint-Emilion, on the famous “foot of the slope Soils Clay-limestone on the upper part; clay, sand and limestone as the slope goes down Density of plantation 6,500 to 8,500 vines per hectare depending on the soil characteristics.
Vintage Notes
"LE PREMIER" The 2012 vintage had a tough start with a chaotic spring. Fortunately, July and August were perfect for good grape development. The nose is remarkably intense and the purity of its fruit aromas is amazing. The top quality Cabernet Franc grapes straighten out the wine’s structure and provide a great accompaniment for the velvety, tender Merlot, while contributing elegance and precision to the whole.
