Chateau Angelus: Discover A Saint-Emilion Icon

Chateau Angelus | An Icon of Saint-Emilion

Named after a daily prayer, the tolling of the Angelus bells to signal a shared moment of devotion and spirituality that dates back centuries, Chateau Angelus stands as a steadfast symbol of one family’s dedication to and stewardship of their ancestral land. One of the most celebrated estates in Bordeaux, Chateau Angelus is recognized as a Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe "A", and its vineyards have been nurtured by the de Bouard de Laforest family since 1782. Today, Stéphanie de Bouard-Rivoal represents the eighth generation at the helm of the estate, which has, over the past few decades, become a benchmark for quality, innovation, and modern winemaking in Saint-Emilion, seamlessly blending tradition and excellence.

Angelus : A Vineyard Blessed by Nature

Situated on a south-facing slope in Saint-Emilion, Chateau Angelus benefits from ideal sun exposure and natural drainage. The chateau’s 100 acres of vines are planted on a superb natural amphitheater of clay, limestone, gravel and sandy soils, organically cultivated for over a decade. These soils provide essential nutrients to produce wines with remarkable structure and balance. Grapes are meticulously planted according to soil type:

• Cabernet Franc (47%) – planted on sandy-clay limestone at the bottom of the hill, peaks around 20 years old, providing signature spicy and menthol notes.

• Merlot (50%) – planted on the hill, offers silkiness and depth.

• Cabernet Sauvignon (3%) – complements the blend with structure.

The Cabernet Franc vines, which reach their peak around 20 years of age, give Angelus wines their signature spicy and menthol notes, perfectly complementing the rich, velvety Merlot.

The History of Chateau Angelus

Chateau Angelus has a storied history intertwined with the de Bouard de Laforest family. The estate traces its origins to 1782 when Jean de Boüard de Laforest settled in Saint-Emilion. Over the centuries, the property expanded through strategic acquisitions, including Clos de l’Angelus and parcels from Chateau Beau-Sejour Becot.

In 1954, Angelus earned its Grand Cru Classé status, and under the guidance of Hubert de Boüard de Laforest, it adopted modern winemaking techniques that transformed it into a benchmark for quality in Saint-Emilion. Today, Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal, representing the eighth generation, oversees the estate, maintaining its tradition of excellence and organic viticulture.

A Wine Fit for the Silver Screen: James Bond’s Favorite Bordeaux Wine

Chateau Angelus has captivated audiences far beyond wine lovers. Its wines have appeared in three James Bond films. The wine made its debut in Casino Royale (2006), when a bottle of the 1982 vintage is enjoyed by the secret agent and Vesper Lynd on a train to Montenegro. In Spectre (2015), a bottle of the 2005 makes another appearance in an action-packed scene, once again on a train. Most recently, a bottle of the same 2005 vintage was featured in the 2021 release of No Time to Die, the final chapter of Daniel Craig’s performance as Bond. While Bollinger may officially be the favorite champagne of 007, Chateau Angelus is no doubt his favorite Bordeaux.

The Iconic Bell of Angelus

The iconic symbol of Chateau Angelus, widely recognized by fine wine lovers everywhere, is a bell prominently displayed on the label of the estate’s wines and as part of the chateau’s unique architecture. This symbol harks back to an ancient Saint-Emilion tradition, which originates from the monastic order of the 11th century and was developed in the 1400’s under Pope Callistus III. The bells of the three churches of Saint-Emilion would ring in the morning, midday and in the evening, serving as a call to prayer known as “the Angelus.” The men and women of the region would pause their work and participate in a shared moment of faith and devotion.

The sound of the bells tolling was particularly amplified out in the vineyards of Chateau Angelus, planted in a natural amphitheater facing the town. It is this moment of shared devotion, be it to one’s faith or to the land and its wines, that inspired both the name and logo of the estate. Today, the chateau is home to a beautiful bell tower with a set of bells that chime the national anthems of guests visiting the chateau.

An Organic Vineyard in Saint-Emilion

Chateau Angelus spans just over 100 acres in the Saint-Emilion appellation on the Right Bank of Bordeaux, with 66 acres classified Premier Grand Cru Classé "A". The estate is planted with 50% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, giving it one of the highest proportions of Cabernet Franc in Saint-Emilion. The de Bouard family has long championed this varietal and, in preparation for the challenges of climate change, has been experimenting with massal selections of Cabernet Franc to identify clones that produce lower alcohol and higher natural acidity.

The vines average 38 years of age, with Merlot thriving in mostly clay and limestone soils, particularly at the highest elevations with southern exposure. Cabernet Franc is rooted in gravel, limestone, and sand, complementing the Merlot with its signature spice and structure. Planting densities range from 6,500 to 8,000 vines per hectare, with newer plots planted at even higher densities for optimal quality.

In 2015, the estate transitioned to organic viticulture to preserve the vineyard’s health and biodiversity for future generations. The vineyard now features beehives for pollination, freely growing bushes between vine rows, and relies on pheromone-based pest control instead of chemical fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. These practices ensure that Chateau Angelus maintains both the integrity of its terroir and the sustainability of its ecosystem.

The Making of Chateau Angelus Wines

The estate produces three exceptional wines:

1. Chateau Angelus – The Grand Vin

The estate’s namesake Grand Vin is Chateau Angelus, a Premier Grand Cru Classé “A” of Saint-Emilion whose release of each vintage is a long awaited event each year. Blending around 60% Merlot with 40% Cabernet Franc (with exact proportions varying with each vintage), this St Emilion wine reveals intense aromas of juicy black fruit, notably wild cherries and blackberries, along with florals like peonies and violets on the nose. The palate offers beautiful tension along with very refined and velvety tannins. Cabernet Franc comes through particularly on the finish, lending the wine its characteristic spicy and menthol touches. Each new vintage of Chateau Angelus has its very own personality, summed up in one short expression by the property each year. 2020 was “sublime,” 2019 was “flamboyant,” 2018 was “the phoenix,” 2017 was “brilliant” etc. What these wines all have in common is their timeless elegance, and their expression of a family’s loyalty and devotion to their land.

2. Carillon d’Angelus – The Second Wine

The estate’s Second Wine is Carillon d’Angelus, first released in its 1987 vintage. Following in the footsteps in its big brother, this Saint-Emilion Grand Cru blends Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon in a wine made with great precision. It offers plush, pure fruit aromas, along with velvety smooth tannins and an elegant finish, pairing effortlessly with a wide range of dishes.

3. N°3 d’Angelus – The Third Wine

The Third Wine is N°3 d’Angelus, a Saint-Emilion wine made from plots across the appellation. This wine comprises around 85 to 90% Merlot, offering a pure expression of the Right Bank’s flagship grape. It is aged only in second and third-fill barrels. While Chateau Angelus and Carillon d’Angelus will take a number of years to evolve in the cellar, N°3 is approachable in its youth, ready to be enjoyed upon its release. This is an easy-going, no-fuss wine to enjoy while waiting for the two others to finish aging. Nevertheless, it can be kept for five to eight years in your cellar.

Why Chateau Angelus is a Must-Have Bordeaux

Chateau Angelus represents heritage, innovation, and unparalleled winemaking. From its organic vineyards to its three meticulously crafted wines and appearances in popular culture, it embodies the essence of Saint-Emilion Bordeaux wines. Its elegance, structure, and expression of terroir make it a standout for collectors, enthusiasts, and first-time Bordeaux buyers alike.