Château Angélus 2015: A Remarkable Expression of Bordeaux’s Premier Grand Cru Classé

Château Angélus 2015 is a wine that stands as a symbol of the exceptional quality and craftsmanship that Bordeaux is known for. As one of the most prestigious estates in the Saint-Émilion appellation, Château Angélus consistently produces wines of outstanding character and elegance. The 2015 vintage, in particular, has garnered widespread acclaim, with wine critics and enthusiasts alike praising its complexity, depth, and potential for aging. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at what makes Château Angélus 2015 so special, its tasting profile, the winemaking process, and why it has become a favorite among collectors.

The History and Legacy of Château Angélus

Château Angélus is one of the most celebrated estates in Saint-Émilion, a region that has long been synonymous with exceptional Bordeaux wines. The estate’s history dates back to the early 18th century, though it was in the 20th century that Château Angélus truly began to establish its reputation as a top producer. In 1996, it was officially classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé A, the highest classification in the Saint-Émilion system, alongside other legendary names like Château Ausone and Château Cheval Blanc.

Under the stewardship of the de Boüard family, particularly Hubert de Boüard de Laforest, Château Angélus has continued to thrive, producing wines that blend tradition with innovation. The family’s deep commitment to excellence and attention to detail in every step of the winemaking process ensures that each vintage, including the 2015, is a reflection of the estate’s high standards.

The 2015 Vintage: A Year of Ideal Conditions

The 2015 vintage in Bordeaux was marked by near-perfect weather conditions. The winter and early spring were mild, which allowed the vines to bud early. This was followed by a warm and dry summer, providing excellent ripening conditions for the grapes. The late summer and early autumn were also warm but not excessively hot, allowing for gradual and even ripening of the fruit. The result was a harvest of perfectly ripe, healthy grapes, which led to the production of wines with exceptional structure and balance.

In Saint-Émilion, the 2015 vintage is considered one of the best in recent memory, and Château Angélus 2015 is a prime example of the quality that was achieved across the region that year. The wine is a blend of predominantly Merlot, with a smaller proportion of Cabernet Franc, both of which thrived in the warm, dry conditions, resulting in a wine with concentration, richness, and finesse.

Tasting Notes: A Wine of Great Depth and Elegance

Château Angélus 2015 is a wine that immediately captivates with its deep, dark color. The blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc creates a harmonious and complex profile that evolves with each passing moment. Here’s a closer look at the tasting notes:

• Appearance: The wine presents a deep, intense ruby color, with a bright, clear rim. The visual appeal of Château Angélus 2015 hints at the richness and concentration that await on the palate.
• Nose: On the nose, Château Angélus 2015 reveals an extraordinary complexity. The bouquet is filled with ripe blackberries, plums, and cherries, alongside subtle notes of tobacco, leather, and a touch of spice. There’s also an underlying minerality that gives the wine an added layer of sophistication, with hints of graphite and crushed stone. Floral notes of violet and hints of vanilla from the oak aging round out the aromatic profile.
• Palate: On the palate, Château Angélus 2015 is full-bodied and powerful, yet incredibly refined. The tannins are fine and silky, providing a solid structure that supports the wine’s rich fruit flavors. The dark fruit flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and blackberry are complemented by nuances of mocha, licorice, and a delicate smokiness. The wine’s balance between fruit, acidity, and tannin is exceptional, creating a smooth yet complex mouthfeel.
• Finish: The finish is long and persistent, with lingering flavors of dark fruit, spice, and oak. A touch of minerality and fresh acidity provides balance and ensures that the wine leaves a lasting impression on the palate.

Winemaking: Precision and Craftsmanship

Château Angélus 2015 was crafted with precision and care, reflecting the expertise of the winemaking team at the estate. The grapes were handpicked at optimal ripeness to ensure the highest quality fruit. After the harvest, the grapes were sorted and destemmed, before undergoing fermentation in temperature-controlled vats. This careful fermentation process allows the wine to preserve its freshness and aromatic complexity.

After fermentation, the wine was aged in French oak barrels, with a percentage of new oak used to impart additional complexity and structure to the wine. The aging process lasted for approximately 18 months, during which time the wine developed its rich flavors and smooth tannins. The result is a wine that is both powerful and elegant, with layers of complexity that will continue to evolve over time.

Aging Potential: A Wine for the Future

One of the most remarkable aspects of Château Angélus 2015 is its aging potential. While the wine is approachable and delicious in its youth, it has the structure and complexity to age gracefully for decades. The combination of ripe fruit, fine tannins, and balanced acidity ensures that Château Angélus 2015 will continue to evolve in the bottle, developing additional layers of complexity over time.

For collectors and investors, Château Angélus 2015 is an excellent choice, as it is likely to appreciate in value as it matures. The wine is already drinking beautifully, but those who choose to cellar it will be rewarded with a wine that will continue to evolve, offering new nuances and depths of flavor as the years pass.

Pairing Château Angélus 2015 with Food

Château Angélus 2015 is a wine that pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes, thanks to its balance of fruit, acidity, and tannins. Here are some ideal food pairings to enhance the enjoyment of this exceptional Bordeaux:

• Roast Lamb: The rich, savory flavors of roast lamb, especially when seasoned with herbs and garlic, complement the deep fruit and tannic structure of Château Angélus 2015. The wine’s complexity provides an ideal match for the robust flavors of lamb.
• Filet Mignon: A tender, juicy filet mignon pairs wonderfully with this wine, as the silky tannins and dark fruit flavors of Château Angélus 2015 enhance the beef’s natural richness.
• Grilled Ribeye Steak: The charred, smoky flavors of a grilled ribeye steak are perfectly balanced by the wine’s oak and spice notes. The tannins in Château Angélus 2015 help to cut through the richness of the steak, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Aged Cheeses: Hard cheeses, such as aged cheddar, Gruyère, or a mature Comté, make for excellent companions to Château Angélus 2015. The wine’s complexity and structure are a perfect match for the intensity of the cheese.
• Chocolate Desserts: For a sweet finish, pair this wine with dark chocolate desserts. The wine’s fruit and spice notes complement the richness of chocolate, creating a decadent and satisfying combination.

Why Château Angélus 2015 is a Must-Try

Château Angélus 2015 is a standout wine that exemplifies the best qualities of Bordeaux and the Saint-Émilion region. Its exceptional balance, depth, and complexity make it a must-try for any wine lover, whether you are a seasoned collector or a newcomer to fine wines. The 2015 vintage is particularly notable for its near-perfect conditions, resulting in a wine that is both powerful and elegant, with the potential for long-term aging.

With its rich history, exceptional quality, and aging potential, Château Angélus 2015 has rightfully earned its place as one of the premier wines from Bordeaux. Whether enjoyed in its youth or cellared for future enjoyment, this wine will continue to delight and impress for years to come.