CHÂTEAU ANGÉLUS IS REDEFINING BORDEAUX’S ELITE WITH A BOLD BLEND OF HERITAGE AND LUXURY. FROM ITS CUTTING-EDGE WINERY TO THE MICHELIN-STARRED DINING, THIS ICONIC ESTATE INVITES YOU TO SAVOR LIFE’S MOST EXQUISITE PLEASURES.
BY ANETTA NOWOSIELSKA
It’s quite an awe-inspiring thought, really. It takes a single wine vine and a lot of oenological serendipity to produce a bottle of 2011 Chateau Angelus Premier Grand Cru Classe “A,” one of the crown jewels of the Saint-Emilion appellation in France. To savor the liquid velvet I’m about to gobble at Logis de la Cadene-the culinary/hospitality gem owned by the de Bouard-Rivoal family, who also owns Chateau Angelus- much had to align with Bacchus’ plan to keep us jolly with viticultural bliss.
Whatever pours from that bottle has weathered many of Mother Nature’s caprices. Sudden rainstorms can stress the vines, disrupting the delicate dance of sugar and acidity. Too much water can drown the soil, choking the roots of oxygen. And then there’s the searing heat, ripening the grapes too quickly, risking a less-than-stellar vintage. This resilient nectar, shepherded by an army of devoted “vine whisperers” who guide it through nature’s whims, lies at the heart of the Chateau Angelus universe. Thanks to the leadership of its CEO, Stephanie de Bouard-Rivoal, that universe is expanding.
First, a little background on Chateau Angelus. It’s more than just a vineyard, it’s a family-owned legacy steeped in centuries of history and prestige. Since the late 1700s, this storied estate has been passed down through eight generations of the de Bouard family, each carefully nurturing its viticultural heritage. With a reputation for wines that blend refinement and character, Chateau Angelus has become synonymous with excellence. Its vineyards, rooted in a mix of clay and limestone, produce full-bodied wines with a complex flavor profile, typically featuring a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. These blends are known for their deep, velvety textures, layered fruit notes, and hints of spice, tobacco, and earthy undertones. As they age, the wines develop even greater complexity, with silky tannins and a long, refined finish holding a coveted place in the world of luxury wine collections.
In a move that embodies the spirit of reinvention, Stephanie ushered Chateau Angelus into a new era with a series of bold decisions making it a full circle moment. “From when I was quite young, seven years old precisely, I knew I would take over at Chateau Angelus one day,” she explains. “But, I also understood it would be helpful to gain a diversity of experience before attempting to realize this dream of mine. I led a successful career in London, working in financial services, and looking back I can even more clearly appreciate how much this time helped build my ability to recognize and capitalize on opportunities.” One of those opportunities was withdrawing from the Saint-Emilion classification system-a defiant statement that the estate’s prestige no longer hinges on outdated rankings, but on its own reputation.
Her vision materialized in the construction of a cutting-edge winery, where form and function coexist in harmony supported by sustainable ethos. Stephanie also expanded the luxury footprint by acquiring hotels and restaurants, an ecosystem where wine isn’t just tasted- it’s lived. “Our venture into hospitality was initially about seizing opportunities,” explains Stephanie. “Although we came to see it as a wonderful new avenue for growth and an opportunity for refining our approach in wine.” Nowhere is that more palpable than at Logis de la Cadene, the Michelin-starred culinary jewel in the heart of Saint-Emilion, led by Chef Thibaut Gamba, who gives the local bounty a rich international edge. Gamba’s creative genius finds its muse in the local terroir of Chateau Angelus, which supplies the freshest produce from its own farms, including a fungi farm run by two men who dazzled me with their dedication and knowledge during my visit at their underground mycological terrarium. The footprint of Gamba’s stints at top kitchens such as Pierre Gagnaire in Paris and Per Se in New York is felt on every plate, while the impressive savoir-faire is exercised to perfection by his team. “The owners of Chateau Angelus are true epicureans,” Gamba explains to me. “I immediately aligned with their approach and values. The most important things in my job are pleasure, generosity, and sharing – and on that we are completely on the same page!”
This shared passion extends naturally to the hotel itself, a chic spin on French elegance and modern comfort. Each room is thoughtfully designed, offering guests a serene retreat with luxurious touches such as plush bedding, top-notch amenities, and views of the vineyards and the charming medieval streets. The property I checked into, was mine for the taking, with its sumptuous wood paneling and serene tones-a space available for those who crave exclusivity. And there I was, playing the part of the lady of the house, indulging in the fantasy of owning it all, if only for a brief moment.
As my visit drew to a close I couldn’t help but feel I had been part of something important. It was a full immersion into the universe Stephanie has masterfully curated. In that moment, surrounded by the quiet sophistication of Saint- Emilion, I realized this was more than just a destination – it was a state of mind, a place where time slows, and life, like the wine, is savored to the very last drop.
