Chateau d'Aiguilhe, Castillon, Côtes de Bordeaux, France, 2021

Overview of the Wine
Acquired by Stephan von Neipperg at the end of 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. Everything leads us to believe that the Aiguilhe seigneury covered a very large tract of land in the Middle Age, encompassing several important fiefs. 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 estates covers 111 hectares, of which 50 are devoted to winegrowing.

The vines (80% Merlot - 20% Cabernet Franc) grow uniquely on the upper part of the slope, where they find excellent natural drainage and south-facing sun exposure. The thin layer of relatively meagre 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.

The estate is expertly managed by Jean-Patrick Meyrignac. It benefits from the tried and tested winegrowing methods used by Stephan von Neipperg at his Saint-Emilion estates: letting the terroir express itself fully, low yields and a very flexible approach to winemaking.

Winemaker
Stephan von Neipperg

Grape Blend
90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc

Origin
Côtes de Bordeaux, France

Tasting Notes
Chateau d'Aiguilhe is today one of the most beautiful estates of Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux on the right bank of Bordeaux. This region, marked by the Hundred Years' War, did not fail to give an important military role to this former 13-century fortified agricultural exploitation. Today, the estate is entirely dedicated to viticulture and has belonged to the Comtes Von Neipperg vineyards since 1998. Vinification in wooden and concrete vats. Extraction by pneumatic punching-down. Vatting for 29 days. Aged on fine lees in French oak barrels (30% new).

92 Points - James Suckling
This has blueberries, dark chocolate, lavender and hints of sage on the nose. Medium-bodied with firm and silky tannins and a chalky finish. Crunchy. Delicious now, but drink or hold. 

91 Points - Vinous
The 2021 d’Aiguilhe is dark, fleshy and super-expressive. Black cherry, plum, new leather, licorice and mocha unfurl in the glass. The d'Aiguilhe is a blend of old vines and newer plantings from a massale selection started about a decade ago. Soft, plush contours add to its considerable appeal. –Antonio Galloni

90 Points - Decanter
A combination of ripe summer fruits on the nose with some smoked earth and chalky aromas. Lovely energy here, the red fruit - strawberry, raspberry and red cherry stops just short of being tart - it has this delicious crunchy almost sour flavor before settling revealing the chalky mid-palate. Tannins are fine but give soft support balancing the elements and driving the flavors from start to finish. So much joy drinking this wine with the terroir showing through and giving the textural elements which are so appealing. I like this a lot. Drinking Window: 2023 - 2029.

90 Points - Wine Spectator
Fresh and pure, with unadorned damson plum and cherry notes racing through, carried by a nicely inlaid, chalky structure through the floral-tinged finish, showing sneaky length. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2030. 

Product size: 750ml