Le Carillon d'Angelus 2023

Originating from France in the Burgundy-adjacent Right Bank of the Bordeaux region, specifically within the Saint Émilion Grand Cru AOC appellation, Le Carillon d'Angélus 2023 represents an opulent, supple, and masterfully vinified expression from one of Bordeaux's most celebrated estates. First created with the 1987 vintage at the historic Château Angélus, Le Carillon d'Angélus was historically conceived as the estate's second wine but has evolved into a singular, dedicated cru with its own distinct vineyard plots and a state-of-the-art, gravity-fed winery facility inaugurated in Saint Magne de Castillon. The de Boüard de Laforest family has tended the vines of Angélus for eight generations, emphasizing meticulous soil management and certified organic practices. The vineyard sources for Le Carillon thrive across a varied mosaic of cold clay and limestone soils intermixed with clay-sand and gravel, which provide optimal hydric balance and deep root penetration for late-ripening fruit. Under the stewardship of Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal and technical director Benjamin Laforest, the grapes are hand harvested, optically sorted, and fermented in temperature-controlled inverted truncated-cone stainless steel and concrete vats. Maturation occurs over 16 months in fine French oak barriques (approximately 50% new oak) and large neutral foudres. The result is an aromatic, silken red Bordeaux that combines immediate textural charm with genuine Right Bank depth and cellar longevity.

The wine presents a luminous, deep ruby red colour with brilliant violet and crimson reflections along the rim. An expressive, highly perfumed bouquet opens with noble aromas of ripe black cherry, wild plum, crushed dark blackberry, and sweet cassis compote, interwoven with sophisticated notes of fresh violet petals, licorice, subtle pencil lead minerality, dark cocoa dust, tobacco leaf, and warm French oak cedar spice. On the palate, it is medium-to-full bodied, silken, and energetic, delivering concentrated flavours of black stone fruits, tart red currant, and savoury mineral earth, all supported by a bright, mouthwatering spine of natural cool-climate acidity. Framed by supple, fine-grained velvety tannins and a dense, seamlessly layered mid-palate structure, it concludes with a long, persistent finish marked by lingering dark berries, dried herbs, and a clean gravelly grip. Composed predominantly of Merlot complemented by Cabernet Franc and a small touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, this 2023 release offers an optimal drinking window spanning 2026–2038+. Stylistically, it combines Right Bank solar fruit generosity, refined floral elegance, and impeccable textural precision.