Château Angelus, St. Emilion
Château Angelus is a Premier Grand Cru Classé (A) estate in the commune of St. Emilion. Named after the Angelus bell toll which could be heard ringing from three local churches, the estate is owned by the de Bouard family, who have been in Bordeaux for centuries. Angelus came to prominence in the late 80s and 90s under Hubert de Bouard. Famously, he developed the reputation of the wine in Asia, where the golden bell featured in the label is considered to be a sign of good luck. This, along with some smart product placement in the Daniel Craig-era Bond films, has helped to keep the wine in great demand. Fortunately quality also increased to keep pace with the reputation.
The vineyard at Angélus forms natural amphitheatre on a south-facing slope of Saint-Emilion, creating a warm microclimate with good drainage. The terroir is a mix of limestone and clay. Merlot is planted on the hill, where there is more clay and Cabernet Franc on the sandy clay-limestone soils at the foot of the hill.
Hubert's daughter Stephanie is now in charge and is taking the wine in a more elegant, balanced direction.