2019 Carillon d'Angélus, St Emilion, Bordeaux

The most widely planted grape in Bordeaux and a grape that has been on a relentless expansion drive throughout the world in the last decade. Merlot is adaptable to most soils and is relatively simple to cultivate. It is a vigorous naturally high yielding grape that requires savage pruning - over-cropped Merlot-based wines are dilute and bland. It is also vital to pick at optimum ripeness as Merlot can quickly lose its varietal characteristics if harvested overripe.

Saint-Émilion (often written St-Émilion) is one of Bordeaux’s largest and most historic wine appellations. Officially classified in 1954, it produces more wine than Listrac, Moulis, St-Estèphe, Pauillac, St-Julien and Margaux combined. In fact, St-Emilion wine predates the Médoc, though early commercial success was limited by poor access to Bordeaux’s port. It is home to many small-batch, intensely concentrated wines.

Château Angélus is one of St Emilion’s most prestigious estates, known for its bold style, meticulous viticulture, and deep family heritage. Elevated to Premier Grand Cru Classé A in the 2012 St Emilion reclassification, Angélus is a benchmark for modern Bordeaux—combining elegance, power, and precision across every vintage.