Chateau Angelus boss Hubert de Bouard was shaken – but not stirred – when Bond chiefs demanded his top vintage for the British secret agent.
Although for years linked with Bollinger, James Bond has become rather more choosy, plumping now for the renowned St-Emilion premier grand cru classe.
And when de Bouard was approached by producer Barbara Broccolli for some bottles to be quaffed in the latest Bond film, Casino Royale, he found they weren't happy with anything less than the best.
'I considered giving the Broccollis the 1990,' he told decanter.com. 'But they said “you do realise James Bond has a taste for at least the '82?”'
This is the first time Château Angélus has featured in the films which are, with a few exceptions, generally devoid of claret.
The bottle of Angélus features prominently while Bond dines with Vesper Lynd, played by Eva Green, in a railway dining car on his way to the Casino Royale in Montenegro - transposed from the original novel's Monte Carlo.
Hubert de Bouard said he was 'overjoyed' to see his wines in the film. 'It will be seen by hundreds of millions of people and it gives Angélus a world image.'
When asked if future Bond films would feature the wine, de Bouard said no contracts had been signed but that he was 'very open' to any future collaboration.
Bollinger, which has been linked with the Bond franchise since Live and Let Die in 1973, plays a more low-key role than usual, with Bond ordering a bottle of Grande Année – vintage unspecified – which is never seen or drunk.
The first wine remark uttered by Bond (in the 1962 film Dr No) relates to a bottle of Dom Pérignon 1955. 'I prefer the '53 myself,' Bond says.
Casino Royale opens in cinemas across the UK on 16 November.
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That particular bottle of '82 Angelus was physically "shaken - not stirred" if it was served in a dining car in Montenegro. A constant vibration from machinery disturbs the sediment and can irreparably damage some of the red wine's components, especially a delicate '82 Angelus. Furthermore, excessive sound creates vibrations that are harmful to red wine. Serving such a wine in a dining car it is not a good idea to begin with, and the railroads in Montenegro are particularly unsteady. Harry Constantinescu
Harry, please remember that we are talking about James Bond. The wine will be perfect no matter what happens. It would not surprise me at all to see 007 sipping it in a clear handmade Bordeaux Grand Cru, Riedel Sommeliers Series while been shot at free-falling in the Sahara desert with no parachute. Paulo Prado, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
I know this is Decanter and not Hello! but could this news have anythhing to do with he fact that Barbara Broccolli is a "very good friend" with the chef James Martin who has, of course, been properly educated in these matters by his father, Ian Martin, the former Chancellor of the Jurade de Saint-Emilion in the North? Tim Hartley
According to Mr. P a decade ago, the 82 Angelus 'is diffuse and flabby, and while it still exhibits some sweet, jammy fruit, the wine exhibits an old, mushroomy, earthy note. It is clearly in decline and should be drunk immediately'. A massive 77 points/100. Gavin Quinney, Château Bauduc, Bordeaux, France
Last Year I was recived by Corallie , Ms. De Bouard's daughter on a private visit to this wonderful Chateau, and I feel That I'm a small part of this Terroir, means I'll run to buy a ticket to watch Casino Royal and try to imaginate I' drinking my favorite wine with J. Bond, no matter the RIGHT comment of Mr. Harry Constantinescu. Rafael Guerra, Mexico City, Mexico
The 4th paragraph of this article implies that Royale les Eaux was based on Monte Carlo. A little deeper research would have indicated that it was actually based on Forges les Eaux in Normady - which is still a flourishing town with a flourishing casino. Philip Wood
That is very useful information from Gavin Quinney can he please broadcast it more widely? I shall then be able to take steps to act upon it by immediately by looking for 1982 Ch.Angelus. Nothing gives me greater pleaasure than when ”Mr P” rubbishes wine I enjoy — it means I may be able to afford more of it because those with more money than sense will stay away. Tim Hartley
'Although for years linked with Bollinger, James Bond has become rather more choosy, plumping now for the renowned St-Emilion premier grand cru classe'. Actually it's the other way around. Bond is starting with Bordeaux, and then moved to Champagne as Casino Royale was Mr. Fleming's first book and the movie is depicted as such. David A. Singer, Boston, USA
Having had my share of Angelus including the both the 82 and the 90, I agree with all that the 90 would in an ideal World will be the better choice, but it seems like the 82 may have been picked for it's age and over all prominence. Either way, Bond doesn't lose!! Richard Ansah, New York, USA
Either way you look at it. This is good news for Angelus, St Emilion and Bordeaux in General. Well done Hubert!! (Hello Tim) Michael Tabone, Malta
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That particular bottle of '82 Angelus was physically "shaken - not stirred" if it was served in a dining car in Montenegro. A constant vibration from machinery disturbs the sediment and can irreparably damage some of the red wine's components, especially a delicate '82 Angelus. Furthermore, excessive sound creates vibrations that are harmful to red wine. Serving such a wine in a dining car it is not a good idea to begin with, and the railroads in Montenegro are particularly unsteady. Harry Constantinescu
