Château Angélus 'Carillon d’ Angélus' 2022 [in bond ex vat] (6 x 75cl) landing Spring 2025

Merlot, Cabernet Franc

6 x 75cl * 14.5% ABV * AOC Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France

Most recently spotted as James Bond's claret of choice once again in No Time to Die, and previously in both Casino Royale and Spectre, Château Angélus is one of only four châteaux classified as 1er Grand Cru Classé, sitting alongside the greats of Ausone, Pavie and Cheval Blanc. It gained the coveted classification in 2012, the first of only two châteaux to have been promoted to the top ranks since the original classification in 1955.

Its well-placed vines - the majority of which are Cabernet Franc - grow in a natural amphitheatre of sandy limestone and clay. This unique terroir helps to impart its rich, complex character but is also credited for naming the estate. The amphitheatre’s acoustics allowed vineyard workers to hear the church bells chime from St-Emilion, Mazerat and Saint-Martin.

The 2022 vintage is only 10% Cabernet Franc with 90% Merlot. The wine spent 16- to 18-months in fine-grain French oak barrels with medium char, of which 60% are new and 40% second-fill barrels. Rich and aromatic, this remains fresh and lively, and is one degree lower in alcohol than in the 2010 vintage. The fruit is aromatic, with blackberry and mulberry, but remains restrained and elegant, with subtle mineral notes. There's lots of energy in the bright fruit, grippy tannin and creamy oak flavours. This year half of the Cabernet Franc, of which they are particularly proud, was aged in larger casks, the remainder in new barrels.

"The 2022 Le Carillon d'Angélus is a rich, boisterous wine. Succulent dark cherry, plum, chocolate, new leather and licorice are nicely pushed forward. Racy and pliant, the 2022 Carillon is showing quite well in this tasting." 91-93 Points, Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, April 2023

"A very fresh and vivid red with crunchy and bright character. Citrus rind as well. Medium-bodied. Fine taninned with a vivid finish. Precise." 94-95 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, April 2023

"The true second wine of this reference point estate is the 2022 Carillon De Angélus, which is 90% Merlot and 5% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc that’s resting in 60% new barrels. It has beautiful cassis and almost blue-tinged fruits as well as medium to full body, nicely integrated oak, some spicy, graphite, and floral nuances, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It doesn't taste like a second wine and will give many a Grand Vin a run for their money." 93-95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, May 2023

Drink 2025 to 2044.

Please note that prices are in-bond and exclude VAT and duty, which are payable when the wines land in store in Spring/Summer 2025.