Gérard Bertrand : Aigle Royal 2013

A refined white from the south of France, exhibiting flavors of pear sauce and apple butter that are long and rich. Features lively acidity, with plenty of spicy notes that linger with minerally accents on the slightly smoky finish. Drink now through 2018. 500 cases made, 200 cases imported.

Lots of acidity and density. Real raciness. Great balance and complete. Very subtle and racy. (JR)

White wine with a quite pale yellow color, a tinge of green, rather high viscosity. Pure nose, high intensity, fairly ripe fruit here; Chardonnay-like with some buttery notes, ripe lemon, stone fruit. The fruit dominates here, but we can still feel it has had élevage in oak, with some vanilla and nutty toasted notes. Attractive palate, quite Burgundy-like, as it has this very nice mouthwatering freshness. Good bite, good grip; the acidity is very fresh and balances those ripe stone-fruited notes. It feels like a wine with a good degree of ripeness yet from a slightly cooler climate, because we have that nicely marked natural acidity on the palate. The oak is nicely integrated, doesn’t give much on the palate, just some discreet hints of vanilla. Very nice length and purity, salivating finish. Very gastronomic and inviting. Nice to drink now, but it certainly has the structure to age for another 3 to 4 years.

Opulent, rich and flavorful, this is a bold, oaky wine that's brimming with aromas and flavors of baked apple, brioche, pie crust, cloved orange and peach pit. Lush and mouthfilling, the creamy texture and lush flavors are lifted by ample acidity, with a lingering baking spice flavor on the finish. Drinkable now, but should evolve well through 2019.