1997 Angelus from Chateau Angelus, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux

The 1997 Angelus from Chateau Angelus represents a particularly astute vintage for investors and connoisseurs alike. It embodies the resilience of the Saint-Emilion terroir through a challenging climatic season, where meticulous vineyard management was paramount to achieving the excellence for which this esteemed chateau is known.

Tale of a Vintage: Character Forged in Adversity

The weather patterns of 1997 threw many a curveball at Bordeaux's vintners. A generally warm spring promised an ideal growing season, but the summer saw inclement weather that tested the mettle of Chateau Angelus's vineyards. It was the expertise of those at the helm that piloted this vintages' grapes safely through to harvest, coaxing from them a distinctive expression that is both rare and valuable to a wine investor's portfolio.

The Taste Profile: An Oenophile's Narrative

In the glass, the 1997 Angelus narrates its story with a complexity born of its vintage’s trials. A robust bouquet greets the olfactory senses with dark fruits and an undercurrent of earthy undertones, while on the palate, mature notes of blackberry compote, truffle, and leather are laced with subtle hints of spice. The merlot's plumpness finds balance with cabernet franc's structure, delivering a finish that speaks volumes about Saint-Emilion’s capacity for elegance even in less than perfect years.

The textural layers and now resolved tannins found in this wine render it completely accessible, offering immediate pleasure to those who choose to uncork this chapter of Bordeaux history.

A Vintage Suited for Investment

For investors delving into fine wine as a tangible asset, the 1997 Angelus presents an intriguing narrative. It stands as testament to Chateau Angelus's enduring legacy and to the finesse achievable even when nature offers up its challenges. And now, some two and a half decades later, it has entered a splendid window for both drinking and investment return—a considered addition to a diversified portfolio.

Thus concludes our introspection upon the 1997 Angelus from Chateau Angelus—a vintage encapsulating perseverance, expertise, and mature allure that acts as both cornerstone and beacon within an oenophile's collection.