The 2014 vintage of Château Angélus is out — and via DrinksBusiness, it is one of the first Bordeaux to be marked with RFID underneath its label.
This storied Bordeaux is just one of four Premier Grand Cru Classé A wineries in St. Émilion, the highest classification possible. While counterfeiting is not a major issue for Château Angélus, they are eager to address it with an industry-leading solution. Owner Stéphanie de Boüard explained that “It’s new for us but also Bordeaux. A lot of other brands are showing great interest and it’s useful for logistics too as you can see where it’s been.”
RFID aside, the 2014 Angelus is highly promising as an investment as well. Château Angélus named 2014 as one of just four legendary vintages since 2000, with an unusually warm, mild autumn that allowed the Cabernet Franc grape tannins to fully ripen. Early barrel sample tasting notes from Wine Spectator note “bittersweet ganache and smoldering tobacco, with dark plum, currant and fig fruit flavors. Despite the charcoal thread, this is lush and integrated, showing no aggressive edges at all.” The 50/50 Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend earned 96 points from Wine Spectator, 98 points from Wine Enthusiast, and 95 points from Decanter.
If the $250 Angelus is out of reach, those lucky enough to live in or visit the U.K. can enjoy the No. 3 D’Angelus, the tier of Angélus that retails at just $28 a bottle.
- Photo credit: Château Angélus
- ANGÉLUS RELEASES 2014 – WITH A FEW TWISTS – The Drinks Business