1982 Château Angélus Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 750ml

The 1982 Château Angélus Saint-Émilion Grand Cru is a mythical monument of modern Bordeaux history. Furthermore, this landmark release captures the sun-drenched generosity of the celebrated 1982 vintage. The de Boüard de Laforest family crafted this historic wine with generational devotion. Consequently, this rare library bottle commands premier status among elite fine wine collectors worldwide.

Additionally, the legendary 1982 growing season redefined modern standards for Right Bank ripeness and textural grandeur. Meanwhile, traditional estate viticulture preserved remarkable aromatic freshness and savory balance. Therefore, this mature masterpiece stands as one of the finest classic expressions of Saint-Émilion ever bottled.

Terroir & Viticulture

The estate occupies a natural amphitheater on the southern slopes of Saint-Émilion. Specifically, the vines benefit from a privileged position at the foot of the limestone côte. The soil features an exceptional blend of limestone marl, dense clay, and sandy-clay deposits. As a result, this diverse terroir naturally regulates vine hydration during hot, dry summer months.

Meanwhile, the gentle south-facing incline captures warm sunlight from sunrise until dusk. Old Cabernet Franc and Merlot vines dig deep root systems into the moisture-retentive clay. Furthermore, natural air drainage protects the vineyard amphitheater from spring frost damage. Thus, each harvest produces grapes with optimum phenolic maturity, velvety tannins, and complex floral perfume.

Vinification & Craftsmanship

In the cellar, the estate adhered to time-honored Bordeaux winemaking disciplines during the 1982 campaign. First, the harvest team picked the abundant, sun-ripened crop entirely by hand at peak maturity. Subsequently, fermentation occurred in traditional concrete and wooden vats using native yeasts. This patient maceration extracted opulent fruit volume and seamless structural depth.

Moreover, the wine matured for roughly eighteen months in French oak barriques. The winemakers utilized balanced proportions of new oak to respect the wine’s delicate aromatic nuances. Furthermore, traditional cellar racking clarified the wine naturally over its extended barrel aging. Finally, the estate bottled this legendary vintage under pristine conditions.

Tasting Notes

In the glass, the 1982 Château Angélus pours a deep garnet hue with warm mahogany transitions. Immediately, the nose opens with luxurious aromas of spiced black plum, dried fig, and dark cherry liqueur. In addition, tertiary undertones of Havana cigar wrapper, leather, black truffle, and cedar box slowly emerge with air.

On the palate, the wine feels expansive, velvety, and completely harmonious. However, melted, powdery tannins provide aristocratic structure alongside lingering savory acidity. Consequently, the finish extends endlessly with echoes of cocoa nibs, forest floor, and damp limestone. Ultimately, it delivers an unforgettable tasting experience of fully mature Right Bank nobility.

Technical Specifications

• Producer: Château Angélus
• Proprietor: De Boüard de Laforest Family
• Appellation: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC (Right Bank, Bordeaux, France)
• Classification: Historic Premier Grand Cru Classé
• Varietal Blend: ~50% Merlot, ~47% Cabernet Franc, ~3% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Terroir: Southern Amphitheater (Limestone Marl, Dense Clay, and Sandy-Clay)
• Aging: ~18 Months in French Oak Barriques
• Vintage: 1982
• Volume: 750ml

Service & Cellar Potential

Stand the bottle upright for at least 48 hours prior to service to settle mature sediment. Specifically, uncork and decant immediately before serving strictly to separate sediment from the clear wine. Therefore, immediate pouring protects the fragile tertiary floral aromatics from rapid oxidation.

Serve this mature Bordeaux between 16°C and 18°C (60°F–64°F) in large Bordeaux stemware. Pair it with roast squab, milk-fed veal chops with morels, or roasted rack of lamb. Furthermore, this 1982 vintage remains in its prime tertiary drinking plateau today through 2035+.