Aile d'Argent 2021

Spicy and complex with cardamom, green apple, pineapple and dried lime. Hints of white chocolate and mango, too. Medium-to full-bodied, layered and phenolic. Focused and structured, yet very generous and caressing at the same time. Long, driven and exciting. 64% sauvignon (blanc and gris) and 36% semillon.

Beautiful intensity and grip through the palate, this shows white pear, juicy citrus, and slate-filled salinity on the finish. Great stuff, with teasingly drawn out flavours, lift and tension, and hidden depths. Some frost meant the yields were lower than normal at 32hl/h. 15% malolactic fermentation to soften the acidities, with Sauvignon Gris vines included within the Sauvignon Blanc count, and no Muscadelle in the blend as the vines have now been uprooted, giving a slight break in style (for the better in my opinion). 3.25ph, 45% new barrels for ageing. First year with Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy as director from beginning to end of the growing season, after Philippe Dhaulluin's retirement.

The 2021 comprises 64% Sauvignon Blanc and 36% Sémillon. Production is less than 1,000 cases this year. The nose here is full of citrus zest, ripe pear and a light smokiness. The palate has an almost a piquant freshness to it, with an attack of citrus, greengage and apple skins. Waves of vibrant acidity add real cut but this is as intense as it is energetic. The finish is smoky and spicy, with woody tones latching on to the fruit.

The 2021 Aile d'Argent is made from 64% Sauvignon Blanc and 36% Semillon, harvested from 6 to 20 September, and aging in 45% new oak. 15% of the blend went through malolactic. It slowly unfurls to offers glimpses at wonderfully pure grapefruit oil and lime leaves scents, followed by suggestions of yuzu, coriander seed, peach blossoms, and chalk dust. Light to medium-bodied, the palate delivers fantastic tension with tight-knit citrus and stone fruit flavors and a long, mineral-tinged finish. pH 3.25.
2025-2033