Château d'Aiguilhe 2020

Still closed; robust structure, granular tannins, spicy berry finish.

Nicely rendered, with a very pure beam of cassis and cherry purée leading the way, gently infused 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.

Violet reflections, great clarity of colour and an immediate whoosh of salinity through the redcurrant fruits. Powerful and focused, with bright berry flavours, it practically defines the term crunchy fruit, then softens to show creamier black cherry purée as it relaxes in the glass. Really a very tasty d'Aiguilhe from Vignobles Comtes von Neipperg. Extremely moreish. Harvest September 17–28, 30% new oak.

Black cherry, blackberry and orange peel with some cedar aromas, following through to a medium body with fine, chalky tannins. Dried herb and bark undertones. Some salt, too. Drink or hold.

Tasted blind. Deep crimson. Inviting: dark-fruited and a touch smoky. Rich blackberry fruit. Chewy, honest tannins with a creamy softness on the finish. More approachable than some, the acidity building on the finish. (JH)

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.

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.

90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Deep purple with an opaque core and a ruby rim. Seductive bouquet of freshly picked blackcurrants, intense violet perfume and elderberry jelly, with notes of licorice and lilac in the background. On the palate, rich with a soft texture, granular extract and a muscular body. Concentrated finish with dark-berry contours, graphite and a delicate astringency. Trilogy: mission accomplished.

Kunz barrel sample 2021: (90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 32 hl/ha, 14% vol. alcohol) Silky, powerful, mineral bouquet, Damassine plums, strawberries, pralines, limestone, light tobacco. Densely knit, finely creamy, full palate with fresh, sweet fruit, plenty of fine tannins, strong aromatics, long, delicately bitter, aromatic finish.

(90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 32 hl/ha, 14% vol. alcohol) Velvety, powerful, mineral bouquet, damson plums, strawberries, pralines, limestone, light tobacco. Densely woven, finely creamy, full palate with fresh, sweet fruit, plenty of fine tannins, powerful aromatics, long, delicately bitter, aromatic finish. 17/20 2026 - 2046

90-91

I can’t help but think of the idea of going to kiss the stones! Because there are stones—not in the wine, but in the vineyard; specifically, there is limestone, a lot of limestone. This imparts incredible energy to d’Aiguilhe, which can boast of not being troubled by the vintage’s heat. What energy and density, with velvety tannins and a finely honed structure. Once again, d’Aiguilhe certainly champions its terroir.

Round, lush and polished, there is a wealth of fruit and freshness here that is made even better by notes of crushed rocks, stones and oceanic influences. On the palate, the wine is silky, lifted and fruity, finishing with ample length and a cool, salty touch. Drink from 2023-2038.