Château Angélus
Château Angélus is one of only four châteaux classified as 1er Grand Cru Classé (A), sitting alongside the greats of Ausone, Pavie and Cheval Blanc. It gained the coveted classification in 2012, the first of only two châteaux to have been promoted to the top ranks since the original classification in 1955. Its well-placed vines - the majority of which are Cabernet Franc - grow in a natural amphitheatre of sandy limestone and clay. This unique terroir helps to impart its rich, complex character but is also credited for naming the estate. The amphitheatre’s acoustics allowed vineyard workers to hear the church bells chime from St-Emilion, Mazerat and Saint-Martin.
A bell has been represented on its label since its inception. The Boüard de Laforest family have owned Angélus for eight generations and much of its reputation, including its 2012 promotion and cameo in two James Bond movies - Spectre and Casino Royale - is credited to Hubert de Boüard. Significant development over the past few decades has culminated in the completion of a state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly and architecturally stunning winery. With Hubert’s daughter, Stéphanie Boüard-Rivoal, now at the helm, Château Angélus continues to impress.