The 1995 Vintage marks a period of classic Bordeaux virtues. A warm, balanced growing season with moderate yields produced grapes of high phenolic ripeness and a clear acid structure. At Angélus, vinification follows no fashionable dictates, but a clear objective: structure, balance, and longevity. Aging in new French oak barrels does not serve to dominate the wood, but rather to provide a framework – an architectural element that shapes the wine without weighing it down.

Angélus 1995 is not about opulent sweetness or ostentatious power. It stands for controlled intensity, for depth rather than volume, for tension rather than excess. A wine that unfolds layer by layer – and it is precisely in this that its greatness is revealed.

Origin

Region: Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion
Appeal: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Winery: Chateau Angelus
Grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Expansion: Barrique (French oak)
Style: classic, structured, profound, spicy, mature, elegant

Tasting notes

Color

Deep garnet red with brick-red reflections at the rim – clearly mature, but clear and vibrant, with impressive density at its core.

Nose

Complex and serene, a multifaceted spectrum of aromas unfolds: ripe black cherries, plum compote, and dried currants, accompanied by tobacco, cedarwood, and subtle graphite spice. With aeration, notes of leather, truffle, black tea, and a hint of undergrowth emerge. The nose is composed, aristocratic, and profound – nothing is intrusive, everything is harmonious.

palate

Structured and precise: The opening is soft, almost velvety, yet immediately a supporting framework of ripe, finely polished tannins emerges. Dark fruit, earthy spice, and a cool minerality intertwine. The Cabernet Franc lends freshness and definition, while the Merlot provides volume and depth. Everything remains in controlled balance, supported by a still vibrant acidity.

Final

Long, spicy, and persistent. Notes of cedar, dried herbs, and dark fruit fade slowly, accompanied by an elegant, slightly salty minerality. The finish is calm, serious, and lingering – a wine that doesn't seek to impress, but rather to convince.

Drinking recommendation

Glass: Large Bordeaux glass
Temperature: approx. 17–18 °C
Decant: Yes, approximately 1–2 hours
Accompaniment: Lamb, aged beef, game, or simply as a meditative soloist