Gérard Bertrand : Aigle Royal 2021

Modern and svelte, with good balance to the crushed apple, roasted pear and lemon flavors. Gains roundness from sweet salted buttercream and honey, while succulent acidity and a thread of smoke and crushed flint add good savory dimension. Chardonnay. Drink now through 2030. 796 cases made, 200 cases imported.

A serious style here, with a distinct struck match reduction character, char, toasty oak and buttered toast. The palate is rich, round and opulent, buoyed by ripe stone fruit, fleshy pineapple and mouthpuckering lemon freshness, plus heaps of acidity. An impressive wine with great concentration, power and structure, fit for medium-term ageing.

A seductive nose of spiced apples, vanilla, cooked lemons and Mediterranean herbs. It’s sharp with a medium body and crisp acidity. It’s vibrant on the mid-palate with lots of tension at the center. Complex and lively with great vitality towards the precise finish. This can age. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.

Enticing aromas of citrus fruit and crushed stone open this white wine. Fleshy green apple, green tea and lemon-peel flavors contribute to a light mouthfeel, with restrained acidity.