2016 Ep Chateau d'Aiguilhe
Purple; tight, pink rim. Lively nose filled with dark cherry fruit, dynamic, with acidulous notes. Itnense palate, light, lots of energy. Stephan von Neipperg, also owner of the Château Canon-la-Gaffelière, grand cru classified in St-Emilion, who runs Château d'Aiguilhe in Côtes de Casllon, on the border of St-Emilion. This very large estate is planted on 50 hectares in vineyards for 80% of Merlot and 20% of Cabernet-Franc. We always like this wine and have been tasting this wine and associated wines since the 2007 vintage.
91-94 points Wine Spectator
Well-formed and integrated already, with a fleshy edge and good energy throughout. Features plum, anise and blackberry fruit, accented by a streak of bramble. A tasty wine in the making. (JM) (4/2017)
91-92 points James Suckling
Dense and silky with a polished and refined tannin backbone. Medium body, beautiful fruit and a soft-textured finish. (4/2017)
90-92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Chateau 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 Côtes de Castillon. (NM) (4/2017)
90-92 points Vinous
The 2016 d'Aiguilhe is gorgeous. A rush of cherry, red plum, espresso, sweet spice and flowers makes a strong first impression. Plump, juicy and beautifully resonant in the glass, the 2016 hits all the right notes. This succulent, inviting wine is a terrific effort from Stephan von Neipperg and his team. Tasted two times. (AG) (4/2017)
