2016 Château D'Aiguilhe Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux

Acquired by Stephan von Neipperg (Château Canon la Gaffelière, La Mondotte) in late 1998, Château d’Aiguilhe is one of the finest and most beautiful vineyards in the Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. Located back from the river, the château's dignified ruins bear witness to a long and turbulent history. 

Formerly the heart of a fortified farm, the château dates from the 13th century. Everything leads us to believe that the Aiguilhe seigneury was vast, with several large fiefs. Located on the frontier between areas occupied by the French and English during the Hundred Years' War, the château had a major strategic role and changed allegiance regularly according to the political tendencies of the seigneur... Later on, the château belonged to the Albret family, then the Leberthons, several of whom were members of the Bordeaux parliament. Before emigrating on the eve of the French Revolution, the Leberthons sold the estate to a certain Etienne Martineau, who transformed it into a huge 400-hectare farm in a single block that stayed in his family until 1920.

Today, the estate covers 140 hectares, including 90 planted with vines. The vines grow exclusively on the plateau, where they benefit from south-facing sun exposure and excellent natural drainage. A thin layer of rather meager clay-limestone and clay-silt topsoil overlays a limestone substratum that ensures remarkable water regulation. Combined with the average age of the vines, this terroir is ideal for producing quality wine.

Aging: 14 months in 30% New French Oak barrels.

Red Wine.

85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. Combining power and freshness, the wines of Château d’Aiguilhe succeed in expressing the terroir's strong personality, and show very well after 5 years in bottle.

The 2016 d'Aiguilhe is absolutely delicious. Succulent, nuanced and inviting, the 2016 has so much to offer. Ripe cherry, plum, French oak, mocha, new leather and spice all flesh out effortlessly. Deep, generous and resonant, the 2016 captures all the best the vintage has to offer. Sweet, silky tannins add to the wine's considerable appeal. It would be nice to see a bit less overtness to the oak. The wine really does not need it. In 2016, d'Aiguilhe is very pretty. Tasted two times.~92 Antonio Galloni, Vinous

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. Drinkable, but better in 2021. ~92 James Suckling

The 2016 Château 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 Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux. ~90-92 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate

***Free Shipping on 6 or More Bottles of this Wine***