Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Bordeaux (White) |
Colour | White |
Type | Still |
This is the dry white wine of Mouton Rothschild that has been produced in small quantities since the first vintage in 1991. The vineyard (which is planted with 55% Sauvignon Blanc, 43% Semillon and 2% Muscadelle) is inland from the Chateau at the edge of the Pauillac appellation but the wine is labelled AC Bordeaux. The 2018 vintage is made from a blend of 55% Sauvignon Blanc and 45% Semillon.
A big white with very dense dried apples and peaches. Dried pineapple, too. Full-bodied, rich and flavorful. 45 per cent semillon, the rest sauvignon blanc.
There was no malolactic fermentation and no Muscadelle this year—both unusual for Aile d’Argent. Composed of 55% Sauvignon Blanc and 45% Sémillon (harvested August 30 to September 5), the 2018 Aile d'Argent has 13% alcohol and is a little reticent to begin, offering fragrant notions of lemongrass, freshly chopped ginger and lemon tart with a core of fresh pineapples, white peaches and aniseed. The palate is rich, sultry and exotic with loads of spices and tropical fruit and an electric backbone of acid, finishing very long.
55% Sauvignon Blanc, 45% Sémillon. Barrel sample.
A touch cloudy. Complex and rich on the nose, there's oak's cedary spice but also an impressive depth of fruit, citrus and ripe pear. A definite tannin structure here, not particularly rich on the palate but well-structured and long. Sour grapefruit on the palate brings freshness. Longer than it is deep but harmonious. Spicy and quite tannic on the finish and that very slight tannic friction increases the freshness overall. The power is in the length rather than in the depth on the mid palate. (JH)
Drink 2021-2026
Zesty and aromatic on the nose, with lemongrass, grapefruit, subtle clove and toast. The palate is vibrant with waves of refreshing acidity and layered spices that give a roundness of texture and savoury touch to the ripe citrus and passionfruit at the core. Long, lithe and fine.
The 2018 Aile D'Argent Blanc offers good freshness and purity as well as some tropical hints in its tart peach, pineapple, and crushed citrus aromas and flavors. It's beautifully balanced and has a fresh, clean, crisp style ideal for drinking over the coming couple of years.
(55 Sauvignon Blanc, 45 Semillon) | 13% A lemon tart style Aile and I like its juicy, creamy fruit. Not as rich as in years gone by, this added freshness helps to maintain a semblance of balance and this makes it a rather delicious and lip-smacking wine. Not a long-lived style, in spite of the crisp finish, I would drink this fairly young in order to capture the citrus freshness.