Chateau Angelus Saint Emilion 2016
(Bordeaux, France) - [WE 100] [WA 98+] [JS 98] [F 98] [VM 97] [JD 97] [DM 97] [TWI 96+] [WS 96]

About the Winery:
Château Angélus is known for its complex, structured and particularly elegant wines, whose refinement is only matched by the family passion that gave them birth. The estate has been owned by the Boüard de Laforest family since the Domaine de Mazerat was bequeathed to Comte Maurice de Boüard de Laforest in 1910. It was expanded by the acquisition of Clos de L'Angélus in 1922 by Elisabeth Bouchet his wife and a plot from Château Beau-Séjour Bécot in 1969. The name refers to the three Angelus bells audible from the vineyards, coming from the chapel at Mazerat, the church in Saint-Martin de Mazerat and Saint-Émilion. The château also produces a second wine named Carillon d’Angélus (since 1987) and a third wine, No. 3 d’Angélus.

Château Angélus was designated a Grand Cru Classé when the Saint-Émilion classification was created in 1955, due to its already outstanding reputation. In 2012, it reached the pinnacle, achieving the title of Premier Grand Cru Classé "A," a distinction it held until the 2021 vintage. In early 2022, the Domaine opted to withdraw from the classification, the next edition of which was scheduled to be officially announced in September of that year. Consequently, from the 2022 vintage onward, the Château Angélus label will only bear the Grand Cru de Saint-Émilion designation. 

About the Wine:
Château Angélus is planted in a 27-hectare vineyard, on slopes with clay soils, as well as on pied-de-côte with clay-limestone soils. The grape varieties are 50% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines are aged for 18 to 22 months in French oak barrels.

Ratings & Reviews

100 Points & Cellar Selection - Wine Enthusiast:
"This is a rich, perfumed wine, with dense tannins and intense layers of black plum and spice. The palate is firmly built yet broadened out by plump dark-fruit tones and honed by a solid, dry core. Drink from 2025." – Roger Voss (May 2019)

98+ Points - Wine Advocate:
"Sporting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2016 Angélus erupts from the glass with powerful notes of blackberry pie, ripe black cherries and juicy black plums with an undercurrent of star anise, rose petals, chocolate mint, pencil shavings and woodsmoke plus a waft of allspice. The palate is pure decadence. Medium to full-bodied, rich and generously fruited, this wine is by no means heavy—it positively glimmers with freshness and vivacity, lending an ethereal nature to all that richness and power, beautifully framed by velvety tannins and finishing with epic length. The generosity, layers and plushness make for an absolutely DELICIOUS drink right now, but I'd suggest waiting 3-5 more years for the fireworks to really begin." – LPB (Oct 2020)

98 Points - James Suckling:
"Tar, cherry, dried flower and subtle earth aromas. Still youthful, with some primary dark fruit. Medium- to full-bodied, it shows vibrancy and a velvety profile that carries the wine to a deep, chiseled finish. Drink now or hold. 10 Years On retrospective." (Jan 2026)

98 Points - Falstaff:
"Deep dark ruby garnet, firm core, purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim. Fine noble wood aromas, delicate clove and cardamom, floral perfume, fine dark berry fruit, a hint of tangerine zest, very elegant. Substantial and tightly meshed on the palate without appearing too powerful or opulent. Perfectly balanced tannins that gradually intensify, blackberry and nougat on the finish, mineral and long. A Vin de Garde that you need to keep hidden away as it already has so much to offer." (Jun 2017)

97 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2016 Angélus has a fragrant bouquet with blackberry, bilberry, blackcurrant pastille and light floral scents, the Cabernet Franc taking second place to the Merlot. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. Crisp acidity, perhaps more finessed than I was expecting and not as intense as after bottling, but nimble and vibrant, especially on the finish. This oozes class. Tasted at Bordeaux Index’s 10 Year On tasting in London." – Neal Martin (Apr 2026)

97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2016 Château Angélus is incredibly elegant and finesse-driven, with a soaring perfume of crème de cassis, white flowers, crayon, forest floor, and spice. Compared to the 1996 by the Angélus team, it has a deep, layered style, its oak is beautifully integrated, there are ample tannins, and despite leaning toward the finesse-driven side of the spectrum, it has thrilling depth of fruit and length. It’s a brilliant wine from this estate that will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 30+ years or more. The blend of the 2016 is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, brought up all in new French oak." (Feb 2019)

97 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Shows an incredibly lifted, expressive nose, brimming with violets and an intoxicating, beautifully pure perfume. The palate follows with poise and clarity, supported by a lovely framework of fine, well-knit tannins. There’s real balance here, the fruit vibrant yet controlled, leading into a grippy, persistent finish that feels both polished and energetic. An excellent, harmonious wine with notable finesse and aromatic allure." – Gareth Birchley (Mar 2026)

96+ Points - The Wine Independent: 
"Angelus has a deep and dark nose, very powerful, with lots of stamina and round, velvety red fruits. It is spicy and classic – loaded with red berries and mature fruit and is quite an impressive glass. Not completely ready yet Angelus would benefit from another 4-5 years of cellaring." – Ivar Bjurner (Jan 2026)

96 Points - Wine Spectator: 
"This goes for the gusto, with a deep and broad swath of well-roasted tobacco, espresso and loam out front. The core of dark currant and fig fruit will have to catch up, but this red has the energy and juicy drive to eventually do so. When it melds fully, this will be a smoky, alluring, tobacco-fueled wine. Best from 2024 through 2040. 8,333 cases made." – JM (Mar 2019)