Château d’Aiguilhe Chateau D'aiguilhe COTES DE CASTILLON 2020
- jd93
- wa92
- v92
- ws92
Category | Wine |
Varietals | |
Brand | Château d’Aiguilhe |
Origin | France, Bordeaux, Côtes de Castillon |
Acquired by Stephan von Neipperg in 1998, Château d’Aiguilhe is one of the most beautiful estates in the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux. The existing building, a sort of fortified farm, dates from the 13th century. Located on the border between French-controlled and English-controlled areas during the Hundred Years’ War, the Château played a major military role. Today, the estate covers 140 hectares, of which 90 are devoted to winegrowing. The vines (80% Merlot - 20% Cabernet Franc) grow on the upper part of the slope, where they find excellent natural drainage and south-facing sun exposure. The thin layer of relatively meager clay-limestone and clay-silt soil covers a limestone substratum that provides wonderful water regulation. These natural advantages, combined with old vines, are conducive to producing powerful and mineral wines.
Jeb Dunnuck
- jd93
From the up-and-coming Castillon region, just east of Saint-Emilion, the 2020 Château D'Aiguilhe has a floral, cassis, and black raspberry-driven style that shows more tobacco and classic limestone minerality with time in the glass. It's medium to full-bodied, has fine tannins, and the balance and class to evolve for 10-15 years. It's a seriously good Castillon, even better than the brilliant 2019.
Wine Advocate
- wa92
Aromas of cassis, dark berries and cherries mingle with subtle hints of incense and spices in an inviting bouquet to introduce the 2020 d'Aiguilhe, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered wine with powdery tannins and the lively acids that are typical of this later-ripening, limestone-rich sector. Always a notable value, this age-worthy cuvée has turned out very well this year.
Vinous
- v92
The 2020 d'Aiguilhe captures all of the exuberance of the vintage. Jammy and explosive, the 2020 offers up a heady mélange of raspberry preserves, mocha, spice and rose petal. This lush, extravagantly rich wine is a real beauty, but the style is definitely pushed in the direction of ripeness and textural intensity. Give the tannins a few years to soften.
Wine Spectator
- ws92
Nicely rendered, with a very pure beam of cassis and cherry puree leading the way, infused gently with violet and savory accents. The fresh, focused finish is sneaky long. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2034. 20,000 cases made, 2,200 cases imported.