1998 Château Angélus: A Landmark Right Bank Vintage
1998 was a landmark year for the Right Bank, and Château Angélus produced one of the vintage’s true standouts. Warm, dry harvest conditions gave Saint-Émilion perfect ripeness in both Merlot and Cabernet Franc, resulting in wines with depth, richness, and long life. Today, the 1998 Angélus remains one of the most admired releases from the estate’s modern era.
About Château Angélus
Château Angélus is one of Saint-Émilion’s most iconic estates, famous for its warm, south-facing slopes and its unusually high proportion of old-vine Cabernet Franc. Run by the de Boüard family for eight generations, Angélus became Premier Grand Cru Classé A in 2012- recognized for its polished fruit, aromatic complexity, and exceptional consistency. In vintages like 1998, the estate delivers the richness, elegance, and longevity that define top-tier Right Bank Bordeaux.
Why the 1998 Vintage Excels
While the Left Bank battled late-season rain, Saint-Émilion saw ideal weather. The fruit came in ripe, plush, and beautifully balanced—exactly the conditions Angélus thrives in.
The estate’s sun-soaked, south-facing vineyards produced a wine with:
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Generous, ripe Merlot depth
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Lift and aromatics from ~40% old-vine Cabernet Franc
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Polished, seamless texture
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Structure, richness, and elegance in equal measure
By the late 1990s, Angélus was working at an elite level with low yields, strict berry selection, and meticulous cellar precision. In 1998, everything aligned.
How 1998 Angélus Drinks Today
After more than 25 years of aging, this wine is in a truly exceptional place. Expect:
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Silky, layered texture
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Black plum, blackberry, and dark cherry
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Violet, spice, cedar, and tobacco
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A long, harmonious, fully resolved finish
No decant required - this is mature Bordeaux at its best.
For the past two years, CellarTracker scores have been 96+ across the board, with reviewers consistently noting how beautifully the wine is drinking.
This bottle offers everything collectors seek: richness, aromatics, age, and immediate pleasure!