Château Angélus Exits Saint-Emilion AOC
This morning, we woke up to the jaw-dropping news that Château Angélus just announced it had withdrawn from the Saint-Emilion classification, to save itself from the unjust legal attacks for over a decade.
The legal case culminated in a recent court ruling against the former head of Angélus, Hubert de Bôuard. He was found guilty of "undue influence" while serving on the government appointed body which set the rules on promoting Saint-Emilion producers to various ranks. Under these rules, Château Angélus was promoted into the top rank - Premier Grand Cru Classé A of Saint-Emilion.
Until Château Angélus and Château Pavie were promoted in 2012, only Château Ausone and Château Cheval Blanc were recognized as Premier Grand Cru Classé A of Saint-Emilion. Unlike the Left Bank that has stuck with the original 1855 Classification of Médoc, the Right Bank Saint-Emilion appellation operates under the rule of "every 10 year a revision of rankings". 2022 is the next decision point for new promotions.
Château Ausone and Château Cheval Blanc decided to leave the Saint-Emilion AOC in the fall of 2021, expressing their displeasure at the system. Now, with Château Angélus gone, Château Pavie is left as the only Classé A property standing. It is speculated that Château Figeac, and possibly Château Troplong Mondot, will be promoted into the top rank.
We don't know what the producers in Saint-Emilion will feel after the 2022 classification. But it is safe to bet we may see more lawsuits.
