Chateau d'Aiguilhe was founded in the 13th century as a fortified agricultural estate. During the Hundred Years' War between England and France, the territory of the winery was located exactly on the border of the occupied areas of England and France at that time. Because of its important role in the war, it was alternately controlled by the two countries. In the long years that followed, Chateau d'Aiguilhe changed hands several times, and was finally acquired by Stephan Von Neipperg in December 1998. The vineyards of Chateau d'Aiguilhe are located on the right bank of the Dordogne River, which is also the boundary between the Cotes de Castillon and St. Emilion appellations. The vineyard area is 110 hectares, of which 50 hectares are planted with grapes. The vineyard is located high on a south-facing hillside, with ample sunshine and good drainage. The soil in the vineyard is thin and poor with calcareous clay and gravel in the upper layer and limestone in the lower layer. In addition, the soil is rich in minerals, which gives the wines in the production area a delicate taste and strong wine power, which is harmonious and perfect. The wine released at Chateau d'Aiguilhe is a blend of red Bordeaux grapes. Robert Parker commented on this wine, "This wine is rich in fruit aroma, strong in taste and full of vitality. It performs well in reflecting the terroir of the production area and is popular among wine lovers because of its unique characteristics."
Region
Château d' Aiguilhe belongs to the same Comte von Neipperg family as Saint-Emilion's famous top wineries Château La Mondotte, Château Canon La Gaffelière and Clos de l'Oratoire. It is located on the hillside between Côtes de Castillon and Saint Emilion, overlooking the Dordogne River. On the right bank, it is one of the oldest wineries in Bordeaux.
The current estate of Chateau d'Aiguilhe was founded in the 13th century and was actually a fortified agricultural estate. During the Hundred Years' War between England and France, the territory of the winery was located exactly on the border of the occupied areas of England and France at that time. Because of its important role in the war, it was alternately controlled by the two countries. In the long years that followed, Chateau d'Aiguilhe changed hands several times, and was finally acquired by Stephan Von Neipperg in December 1998.
Winemaking
Brewing process: During the grape ripening season, the vineyards use manual methods to pick grapes, and then use small baskets to pack the grapes and transport them back to the winery. The grapes are sorted, de-stemmed, and sorted again. Try to keep the grapes in the process. The skin is intact and not broken. Depending on the year the grapes are picked, the winery will ferment the grapes in wooden wine tanks equipped with a temperature control system for 25 to 30 days, and use pressure to gently extract the flavor substances in the grape skins. The brewed wine is stored in oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and maturation, with a maturation time of 15 to 20 months. The winery will clarify and filter the wine as needed.
Grape planting: 80% of the grape varieties grown in the vineyard are Merlot and 20% are Cabernet Franc. The average age of the grapevines is 28 years.
Introduction: The aroma and taste are quite rich, exuding the delicate taste of blackcurrants, violets, fresh strawberries, iris, as well as pepper, spices and a touch of tea. In addition to the rich flavor mentioned above, the taste also has a hint of vanilla, graphite, caramel and a hint of almond. The finish is nice and quite elegant.
James Suckling 92
This is very precise with dark-berry, sandalwood and light chocolate character. Just a hint of sweet fruit and wet earth. Medium body, firm tannins and a pretty finish.
Jeb Dunnuck 92
The 2016 Château d'Aiguilhe checks in as 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc brought up in 30% new barrels before being bottled with no fining. As with the white, it has brilliant limestone character as well as vibrant strawberry and black raspberry fruits, hints of violets and flowers, background oak, and medium to full-bodied richness. It’s a balanced, high-quality 2016 well worth seeking out. Drink it over the coming 15 years or so.
Vinous 92
The 2016 d'Aiguilhe is absolutely delicious. Succulent, nuanced and inviting, the 2016 has somuch to offer. Ripe cherry, plum, French oak, mocha, new leather and spice all flesh outeffortlessly. Deep, generous and resonant, the 2016 captures all the best the vintage has tooffer. Sweet, silky tannins add to the wine's considerable appeal. lt would be nice to see a bitless overtness to the oak. The wine really does not need it. In 2016, d'Aiguilhe is very pretty.Tasted two times.
Wine Advocate 90-92
The 2016 Chateau d'Aiguilhe is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc picked from 30 September until 18 October, matured in 30% new oak. It has a warm and sensual bouquet: small macerated black cherries, blueberry and sloes, a light floral tincture emerging with time. This has a little more strictness compared to the 2015 last year. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and good body. Sappy black fruit, a touch of spice towards the finish, and you have yourself a very fine Côtes de Castillon.
Wine Spectator 92
Juicy loganberry and black currant fruit forms an inviting core, while light bay, tobacco and violet notes fill in around the fruit. Offers a fleshy edge but keeps an emphasis on cut and drive through the finish.
Decanter 91
Still at a youthful stage, the wine has a meaty, ferrous nuance but is packed with dark fruit behind. The palate is dense and structured with fine but firm tannins and there’s a fresh, saline finish. The power is there but in a subdued manner. Experience tells me it will age.
