Aile d'Argent 2023

Ripe-fruited, exotic, citrusy, with spice from the high Sémillon proportion; a delicate palate, crisp, fresh, mineral-driven, vertical, slender, light-footed yet powerful. Something serious is happening here in white.

Great depth and freshness, fleshy nectarine and spiced pear, fennel and oyster shell, grilled oak and generosity. Balances salinity and flesh, expertly judged. Harvest August 29 to September 6, 45% new oak for ageing. Co-fermented Muscadelle with Sauvignon Gris.

Score: 90–92. Aromas of pear sorbet and rhubarb candies, highlighted by hints of precious metals, lead into a limpid, fluid, vanilla-tinged palate marked by vibrant acidity.

A lovely fruity nose—fresh, straightforward, precise. It shows notes of fresh quince, fresh nectarine, and, more subtly, fresh white grapefruit, with fine touches of white flowers and honeysuckle, plus a discreet hint of quenette and acacia blossom, and an imperceptible almost saline note. The palate is attractively mineral, fruity, gourmand, and precise, perfectly balanced, with lovely juiciness and bright fruit, a subtle crunch in the background, a savory edge, and fine sapidity. It reveals notes of juicy/fresh nectarine, fresh quenette, and, more delicately, crushed small white fruits, joined by a touch of kumquat and fresh quince, as well as a discreet hint of toasted almond, fresh-toast nuances, and a subtle saline/iodine note. Beautiful freshness and juiciness, supple, with a slight spherical feel. A subtle almost toasted/saline note lingers on the finish.

Lovely sweet, rich nose, some honeyed notes with dried flowers, lemon balm, tangerine and oyster shell. Ripe and clean, a great balance of soft sweet lemon and peach with stony apricot and touches of lime. A great initial burst of flavour with high acidity giving a mouthwatering freshness. Clean and precise, fresh, finessed and deep. 0.5% Muscadelle completes the blend.

Honeysuckle, white peaches, orange rind, and vanilla aromatics pop in the nose. Vivacious, energetic, and creamy, with the perfect honey accent that adds complexity to all the sweet, ripe, juicy, fresh, yellow citrus and pineapple. You can enjoy this on release. The wine was made from a blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 44% Semillon, 5% Sauvignon Gris and 0.5% Muscadelle. Drink from 2025-2033. 94 Pts.