The 2019 Chateau d'Aiguilhe, a Bordeaux Blend from the Cotes de Castillon in France, presents itself as a noteworthy red wine with a solid reputation among critics. It is a product of Chateau d'Aiguilhe, crafted primarily from 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc.
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com awarded it an impressive score of 93, highlighting its "dark red fruits, coffee bean, flowers, licorice, and chocolate" aromas. He praises its "gorgeous purity" and "silky textures" on the palate, suggesting that it will reveal its full potential after a few years of aging.
James Suckling, in his review on jamessuckling.com, gave the wine a score of 92, noting aromas of "ripe blackberries, grilled plums, tobacco, and dark chocolate." He describes it as "medium-bodied with firm, chewy tannins," recommending it be consumed after 2024 for optimal enjoyment.
Vinous critic Neal Martin also rated it 92, appreciating the "lovely bouquet" of "black cherry, mulberry, and light floral scents." He describes the palate as "medium-bodied with cedar-infused red fruit," noting its poise on the finish, despite not being as exuberant as the aromatics.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate’s William Kelley echoes the 92 score, commending the wine as a "terrific effort" with "aromas of cherries and cassis" and a "mineral finish." Kelley highlights its "layered and concentrated" nature, matured in both tank and large-format oak.
Jeb Dunnuck also awards a 92, describing the wine as "elegant, beautifully balanced, seamless," with "black cherries, spicy oak, chalky minerality, and hints of white truffle."
Finally, Wine Spectator's JM provides a score of 90, commenting on its "restrained" nature but acknowledging "good inner juiciness" and "subtle chalky minerality."
Overall, the 2019 Chateau d'Aiguilhe stands out for its balance, complexity, and promise of further development with age.