Château d'Aiguilhe - Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux 2020

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Stephan von Neipperg, who has just restored the château, is ready for a new Battle of Castillon—with a wine that is robust, deep, and smooth.

Decanter

About the wine:

Purple highlights, brilliant color, and an immediate hint of salinity that cuts through the red currant-like fruit. Powerful and concentrated with vibrant berry flavors, it practically embodies the term “crisp fruit,” then softens to reveal a creamier black cherry purée as it opens up in the glass. This d’Aiguilhe from Vignobles Comtes von Neipperg is truly delicious. Extremely indulgent. Harvested September 17–28, 30% new oak. 2023–2034

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Aromas of blackcurrant, dark berries, and cherry blend with subtle notes of incense and spices in an inviting bouquet, introducing the 2020 d’Aiguilhe—a medium- to full-bodied wine that is fleshy and layered, with velvety tannins and the lively acidity typical of this late-harvest, limestone-rich terroir. Always a safe bet. This age-worthy cuvée has really come into its own this year. 2023–2040

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

This estate enjoys unparalleled success in the Côtes de Bordeaux region, a success that has remained consistent across vintages. In addition to its own vineyards, the estate includes leased plots, and nearly 100 hectares are vinified under the Château d’Aiguilhe label. This is one of the few right-bank labels that stands out for its substantial production volumes and can claim to rival certain Médoc or Graves wines. This success is due to the expertise of the duo formed by Stephan von Neipperg and Stéphane Derenoncourt (who also owns Domaine de L’A in the same appellation), who have also made a name for themselves at Château Canon-La-Gaffelière, Clos de L’Oratoire, and La Mondotte in Saint-Émilion—the von Neipperg family’s other estates.

Wine Enthusiast

Yves Beck

About the wine:

I can’t help but think of the idea of going to kiss the pebbles! Because there are pebbles—not in the wine, but in the vineyard—or rather, there’s limestone, lots of limestone. This lends an incredible energy to d’Aiguilhe, which can pride itself on not letting the heat of the vintage get the better of it. What energy and density, with velvety tannins and a well-defined structure. Once again, d’Aiguilhe fully showcases its terroir. 2026–2045

Vert de Vin

About the wine:

The nose is fruity and elegant, with a lovely full-bodied character and a subtle richness. It features notes of crushed blackberry, almost roasted cherry, and, to a lesser extent, crushed red berries, combined with hints of pulpy purple plum, star anise, a subtle hint of limestone/terroir, nutmeg, and a very subtle saline note. The palate is fruity, balanced, and refined, offering juiciness, a lovely acidity, smoothness, tension, energy, and dynamism. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of juicy, tart cherry; juicy, tart raspberry; and, to a lesser extent, crisp plum, combined with hints of blueberry, nutmeg, crushed blackcurrant, and a subtle hint of star anise, eucalyptus, and salinity. The tannins are supple, smooth, and fresh. Good length.

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

Round, lush, and refined, this wine is rich in fruit and freshness, and notes of crushed stone and oceanic influences make it even more interesting. On the palate, the wine is silky, supple, and fruity, finishing with a full-bodied length and a fresh, briny touch. Best enjoyed between 2023 and 2038.