2025 Château d'Aiguilhe

EXCLUSIVE - EXPECTED END OF 2027/BEGINNING OF 2028 Winery Château d'Aiguilhe Château d'Aiguilhe belongs to the Vignobles Comtes von Neipperg, the same family behind Canon-la-Gaffelière, Clos de l'Oratoire, and La Mondotte, among others. The château is located in Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, directly east of Saint-Émilion, on a terroir increasingly regarded as one of the most interesting on the Right Bank. Under the leadership of Count Stephan von Neipperg, work here is carried out with great attention to terroir expression, finesse, and precision. Château d'Aiguilhe has been considered one of Castillon's benchmarks for years and combines serious quality with remarkable drinking pleasure. More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab. Origin, terroir and vintage 2025 The vineyards of Château d'Aiguilhe are situated on a limestone- and clay-rich plateau in Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux. These soils are exceptionally capable of retaining moisture, which is a major advantage in warm years. In 2025, this proved to be of great value once again. According to several journalists, the wine remained remarkably fresh and energetic, despite the dry conditions of the growing season. The calcareous subsoil plays an important role in the style of 2025. Alexandre Ma explicitly mentions how the terroir remained virtually immune to drought stress, thereby managing to retain a remarkably clear expression. Decanter also points out the lively acidity and wet, stony freshness that give the wine extra energy. The harvest took place between September 6 and 22, 2025, with a relatively low yield of only 30 hl/ha , which provided extra concentration without loss of elegance. Vineyards and grape varieties Château d'Aiguilhe 2025 consists of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc . Merlot provides the rich core of red and dark fruit, while Cabernet Franc adds extra tension, freshness, and floral refinement. According to Jeb Dunnuck, the chalky signature of the terroir is particularly striking in this vintage, with chalky minerality, juicy flowers, and a refined mouthfeel. Moreover, the old vines provide extra concentration and depth. Harvest, vinification and aging The grapes were harvested entirely by hand and subsequently vinified for approximately 26 days in wooden and concrete vats. Pneumatic pigeage was used for extraction, a gentle technique in which the skins are carefully submerged to preserve precision and finesse. The wine ages 75% in oak barrels, 20% of which are new , while the remaining 25% continues to age in wooden and concrete tanks. This approach imparts extra texture and complexity without the wood dominating. The focus remains distinctly on fruit purity, chalky tension, and elegance. Style, scent and taste Château d'Aiguilhe 2025 opens expressively with cassis, red cherries, ripe plums, and blackcurrants, supported by lavender, violets, and juicy floral notes. Behind these, nuances of white pepper, cinnamon, liquorice, orange peel, and a subtle iodine-like tension emerge. James Suckling particularly praises the combination of freshness, linearity, and refined structure, with white pepper, salty nuances, and a remarkably long finish. Antonio Galloni speaks of a wine with great aromatic layering in which lavender, black pepper, rose petals, and blood orange provide extra tension. On the palate, the wine reveals itself to be medium-bodied, energetic, and remarkably precise. Yves Beck calls the chalky freshness and lively energy particularly impressive, while Jeff Leve emphasizes the silky texture, red plums, and subtle touch of briny cocoa. The tannins are ripe yet refined, giving the wine structure without harshness. The combination of juicy fruit, chalky tension, and freshness makes this 2025 remarkably complete. He certainly possesses the necessary elements for further maturation. A drinking window of approximately 2030 to 2045 seems very realistic. Summary of professional reviews 93-94 points – James Suckli