In the rolling hills of Saint-Emilion, the sound of 20 bells still echoes three times daily from Chateau Angelus’ iconic tower.
But now, something remarkable is happening beneath those vineyards.
The eighth-generation family estate has just unveiled a breathtaking new underground vinification cellar.
Buried seven meters below ground, this rare and unique structure pushes the boundaries of engineering. Designed by architect Olivier Chadebost—known for his work at Chateau d’Yquem and Cheval Blanc—the space constantly draws the eye upward.
The new cellar of Chateau Angelus was designed by architect Olivier Chadebost, renowned for his work at Chateau d’Yquem and Cheval Blanc. “We must combine functionality and aesthetics, coherently with our own identity,” said Chadebost.
At the heart of the design are inverted, suspended truncated-cone vats made of oak, stainless steel, and concrete—a true signature of Chateau Angelus.
Beyond their stunning visual impact, these vats serve a deeply practical purpose. Their unique shape enables slow and delicate infusion during vinification, allowing for gradual extraction that is particularly respectful of the grapes. Mechanical handling is kept to an absolute minimum, ensuring precise support for the estate’s signature varieties, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, in order to reveal their full aromatic complexity and refined tannins.
The cellar’s architectural brilliance extends further. Its pillar-free vaults draw inspiration from the craftsmanship of cathedral builders. The walls are composed of horizontal layers of architectural concrete, while the oak roof structure achieves an exceptional span of 22 metres. Enhanced by the use of noble materials—high-density raw concrete, stainless steel, and oak—it is both an architectural and technical masterpiece.
The new cellar will receive its first harvest with the 2026 vintage.
Reflecting on the project, Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal says: “We retain the tried-and-tested methods of the past and look with interest at the positive and promising benefits that innovation can bring, while remaining committed to preserving the wonderful biotope for which we are responsible. This is, once again, a natural approach, as we are committed to protecting the environment in which we live every day, in which our children grow up, and in which our employees spend most of their time.”
Now helmed by Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal, the eighth generation of the Boüard de Laforest family, Chateau Angelus continues its legacy under its third female leader. Following Catherine Sophie de Boüard de Laforest in 1800 and Eugénie Chatenet in 1900, Stéphanie is the third woman to lead the estate where she was born and grew up.
