Chateau Angelus

Once called L'Angelus, now simply Angelus, this St Emilion estate has, under the tenure of Hubert de Bouard de Laforest been in the ascendant. With investment in the chai (cellar) and improved viticultural practices in the vineyard, the wines of Angelus have displayed a tangible escalation in quality in recent vintages. Fertilisation is organic rather than chemical, there is grass covering between the rows of vines, and there is much focus of preserving the health of the soil, ensuring that it remains rich with a diverse array of microbial life. In 1987 a second wine, Carillon d'Angelus, was introduced. The vineyards total 23 hectares; consisting of the clay and limestone typical of the region. The vines are 51% Merlot and 47% Cabernet Franc, with a tiny 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. The successes resulted in the chateau's elevation from Grand Cru Classe to Premier Grand Cru Classe B status in 1996. With continued success, Angelus is surely a front-runner for future elevation to Premier Grand Cru Classe A status alongside Cheval Blanc and Ausone.