When I was first introduced to wine, an experienced friend (Bill Waldmann) invited me to join him to Gibbs Worldwide Wines (at Harper and Gratiot) on the east side of Detroit. This was back in 1972.
There, I met Tim McCarthy - a big, friendly gentleman - who took me under his wing. He picked out my first mixed case of wine. "Try them, soak off the labels and number them in the order that you liked them." (Years later, he bought a shop in Detroit's Eastern Farmer's Market and called it Cost Plus. It's still there - run by his kids - the second generation.)
The only bottle that I remember from that mixed case, is a 1970 Château l'Angelus red Bordeaux from Saint-Emilion. It was a smooth, elegant, almost light red wine with mysterious hints of earth, forest floor and mushrooms. It cost me $6.99.
The name derives from the vineyard location near the center of the town of Saint-Emilion, surrounded by three churches that would ring their bells, as was the custom, at 6am, noon and 6pm. This was called "the angelus".
In 2012 Chateau Angelus was elevated to Grand Cru Classe A - with perennial icons Cheval Blanc and Chateau Ausone. Note the bottle (pictured at the bottom) of the gold label designed for the 2012 vintage bottle - a celebration of the elevation.
Today, thanks to another friend, I was able to host (in my home) the current owner of the property, now called Château Angelus, M. Jean-Bernard (JB) Grenie. He is a very pleasant, affable guy with a penchant for cowboy hats. We had a great time. He tells me that the winemaker/owner that made the 1970 wine that I had, still lives on the property. He's 94 years old.
We sampled 6 wines: Daugay 2011 (his wife's Château) - up front fruit, medium weight, some tannins.
Château Bellevue 2012 (property across the street that they share a partnership) - 100% Merlot, big berry aromas, big juicy berry flavors.
Le Carillon de l'Angelus 2014 and 2012 - sometimes referred as the 2nd wine, it's actually separate properties that are not contiguous to the home vineyard - purchases that were made over the last 20 years - so, actually, a separate brand. A blend of mostly Merlot and Cab. Franc (the 2012 also had 25% Cab. Sauv.). Very elegant, suave with the younger wine showing great stuffing: bright, rich fruit with plenty of structure, but not intrusive.
Finally, the 2011 and 2007 Château Angelus home property! Medium bodied, smooth, elegant, softened tannins, with that great haunting earth and forest floor - especially the 2007. They were singing!
But, prices are now about $450-500 - per bottle.
Hhhhhhh.....
