Château ANGÉLUS 1995
The 1995 vintage marks an important period in the contemporary history of Château Angélus, then firmly established among the references of Saint-Émilion. The family estate extends over the southern slope of the appellation, in a natural amphitheater where clay and clay-limestone soils offer particularly favorable conditions for Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The latter has historically held a major place in the vineyard and is one of the distinctive elements of Angélus's style. In 1995, favorable climatology combined with controlled yields allowed the grapes to reach great maturity while maintaining precise balance. The estate even chose the term "Harmony" to characterize this harvest. The wine fits within a classic Saint-Émilion register, where the richness of Merlot meets the freshness and aromatic complexity of Cabernet Franc. After three decades of evolution, the vintage now fully expresses the tertiary dimension and finesse expected of a great Bordeaux that has reached maturity.
Château Angélus 1995 is based on a perfectly balanced blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Franc. The harvest took place from September 15 to 27, after a season that allowed the grapes to be ripe and particularly balanced. Merlot brings a broad body, generous texture, and deep fruit, while Cabernet Franc structures the wine with its freshness and naturally mentholated character. The high proportion of the latter also gives the whole a remarkable endurance after several decades in bottle. The tannic structure, important in youth, has gradually softened to give way to a silkier and more harmonious texture. The fruit retains presence but is now accompanied by evolved nuances that add greater depth to the wine. This combination of maturity, freshness, and complexity explains the remarkable longevity of this 1995.
The color today shows a deep garnet with evolved ruby nuances and slightly tawny hues on the rim. The bouquet combines blackberry, prune, and blackcurrant with notes of cedar, blond tobacco, fine leather, and spices. With aeration, touches of truffle, undergrowth, licorice, and a mentholated freshness characteristic of mature Cabernet Franc appear. The palate remains broad and enveloping, supported by now mellowed tannins that give a velvety texture. The evolved black fruits mingle with cocoa, precious wood, and spices, while a persistent acidity preserves the overall balance. The finish is long, harmonious, and complex, with nuances of tobacco, graphite, and candied fruits. Château Angélus 1995 will benefit from careful opening and will perfectly accompany roasted pigeon, beef fillet with porcini mushrooms, royal hare, veal sweetbreads with morels, or cuisine centered around black truffle.
Grape varieties: 50% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Franc
