A prominent Saint-Émilion wine estate, Château Angélus, finds itself navigating a period of judicial oversight, a consequence of deep-seated internal family discord. This situation has arisen despite the winery's robust financial health, underscoring the severity of the interpersonal issues affecting its operations. The intervention of an appointed administrator is critical in addressing these long-standing tensions, with the ultimate goal of restoring stability and establishing a clear path forward for this esteemed producer.

On May 6th, the commercial court in Libourne initiated a one-year judicial administration period for Château Angélus. This move was prompted by an ongoing dispute between two factions of the de Boüard family, specifically involving Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal, the former chairwoman, and Philippe Kellerson, who previously headed the advisory board. The unresolved friction between these key figures led to the failure in nominating the estate's boards this year, necessitating their temporary withdrawal from their respective leadership roles. The core of the disagreement, while not officially disclosed, is believed to revolve around the management philosophy and strategic direction for the future of the estate. The court-appointed administrator, Sylvain Hustaix, has been tasked with uniting the shareholder branches to forge a durable governance structure, acknowledging that the animosity has persisted for several years despite prior attempts at resolution.

The deep-seated conflict pits the branch of the de Boüard family currently managing the property, led by Hubert de Boüard de Laforest and his daughter Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal, against the Grenié de Boüard and Kellerson family lines, descendants of Christian de Boüard. Despite the internal strife, Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal, the largest shareholder, and her father, Hubert, are committed to maintaining operational leadership of Château Angélus during the administration process. Hubert de Boüard de Laforest expressed cautious optimism, noting that the administrator's presence has simplified complex family management issues, leading to more productive general meetings. Stéphanie echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the administration could conclude once the family conflict is resolved. Court statements have consistently affirmed Château Angélus’s economic vitality, contrasting sharply with the challenging family dynamics that have reportedly been present for four decades.

Looking to the future, Château Angélus has shown proactive steps towards expansion and market reach. Following a successful en primeur campaign this year, the winery has intensified its investments in global distribution networks, aiming for a more equitable allocation of its wines across various regions, correcting previous imbalances where certain markets, such as Asia, received a disproportionate share. The estate has also engaged in high-profile vertical tastings in affluent locations like Monaco, recognizing the significant spending power of international visitors in such hubs. Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal highlighted the estate's progressive land acquisition strategy and the introduction of new, exclusive cuvées like Hommage à Elisabeth Bouchet, an ultra-premium Cabernet Franc produced only in exceptional vintages, as well as Tempo d’Angélus, an accessible Bordeaux offering. These developments follow the estate's decision in 2022 to withdraw from the Saint-Émilion classification system, a move that came after a legal finding of a 'conflict of interest' involving Hubert de Boüard during the 2012 classification process, echoing similar withdrawals by other prominent producers like Cheval Blanc and Ausone who questioned the classification's evolving criteria.

This period of judicial administration, while challenging, provides a crucial opportunity for Château Angélus to overcome its internal family divisions and consolidate its governance for long-term prosperity. The focus remains on resolving the underlying conflicts to ensure the continued success and legacy of this esteemed Bordeaux estate.