Le Carillon d'Angelus 2020

The elegance and aromatic finesse of a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

The estate

The Premier Cru Classé Château Angélus takes its name from the three church bells of the town of Saint-Émilion whose tolling has always been audible from the estate’s vineyards. This legendary property was founded in 1782 and, for 8 generations, the family de Boüard de Laforest has carefully guarded its exceptional legacy. Le Carillon d’Angélus is the second wine of Château Angélus.

The vineyard

The Château Angélus vineyard is located in the heart of Saint-Émilion. The vines are planted in clay-sand-limestone soils.

The vintage

The high levels of rainfall during the winter and spring allowed the soils to build up a significant water reserve, which helped throughout the year to preserve the balance of the vineyard. The 2020 vintage stood out for both prolonged drought and for the capacity of the soils (clay and limestone) to provide perfect balance by drawing on water reserves. The summer conditions were ideal to ensure good ripeness and yield healthy, balanced grapes rich in polyphenols. Balanced and complete, 2020 is a perfect synthesis of its two illustrious predecessors, 2018 and 2019.

Vinification and ageing

The vinifications were carried out in inverted, tapered stainless steel vats, with vatting and extraction by gravity. A pre-fermentation maceration was followed by an alcoholic fermentation and post-fermentation maceration of 1 to 3 weeks. Around 50% of the wine was run off directly into barrel, while the other 50% was transferred to barrel after malolactic fermentation. The 16-month ageing process took place in barrels, 60% of which are of new oak and 40% of which were second-fill barrels.

The blend

The Le Carillon d'Angelus 2020 was made from a blend of Merlot (90%), Cabernet Franc (10%)

The tasting

Colour

The wine reveals a bright, beautiful dark ruby colour.

Nose

The nose blends notes of wild red berries, cherry stones, pepper and spices.

Palate

The palate seduces with its suave and velvety tannins, as well as its tangy notes providing both flavour and length.