2017 Aile d'Argent

The 2017 Aile d’Argent is slightly deeper in colour than the 2018. Philippe Dhalluin told me that it underwent partial (14%) malolactic fermentation. It has a perfumed, quite floral bouquet, touches of Nashi pear and wet wool. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine bead of acidity, slightly waxy in texture, spicy with veins of stem ginger towards the persistent finish. This is one of the best Aile d’Argent that I have tasted in recent years. Recommended. Readers should note that a majority of this production is closed with DIAM.

A blend of 53% Sauvignon, 46% Semillon, and 1% Muscadelle, the 2017 Chateau Mouton Rothschild Aile d'Argent Blanc is a smoking good white that has both opulence and freshness. Exotic pineapple and tropical notes as well as caramelized grapefruit and floral notes all flow to a rich, medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured white. Brought up in 40% new oak and with only a small part going through malolactic fermentation, drink this beauty any time over the coming 15-20 years.

The 2017 Aile d’Argent Blanc, which was the only cru to suffer some frost damage, underwent around 14% malolactic fermentation (normally it is around 30%). It has a fresh, lemon thyme and white peach scented bouquet. The palate is well balanced with fine tension, quite saline with moderate depth, a tang of grapefruit and a touch of stem ginger towards the finish. [Readers should note one-third of this wine will be bottled under composite cork for the first time.] Tasted twice with consistent notes.