2021 Aile d'Argent du Mouton Rothschild
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind. First bottle: simple candied nose and rather hard on the end. Astringent. But Sebastian (Payne) assures us that eventually it gets better; hence my suggested drinking date. Second bottle: still quite simple but fresher than the first bottle. (JR)
Critic scores
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Neal Martin, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Combines a rich intensity to the aromatics and flavours with grip and uplift that keeps things sculpted. A gorgeous wine that delivers layers of apricot, white peach and sage with juicy citrus and edges of liqourice root. 15% malolactic fermentation balances the freshness of the vintage and keeps it very much signature Aile d'Argent, as does the relatively high proportion of Sauvignon Gris. No Muscadelle in the blend from this vintage. 45% new barrels for ageing, harvest September 6 to 20.
Another beautiful white in the vintage, the 2021 Aile D'Argent Blanc is 64% Sauvignon and 36% Semillon brought up in 45% new barrels. Ripe melon, honeyed almond, chalky, and bright grapefruit notes all emerge on the nose, and it's medium-bodied, with wonderful purity, a great mid-palate, and one heck of a finish. I'd buy it.
The 2021 Aile d'Argent has a more Sauvignon-driven bouquet with lime flower, orange pith, a hint of grapefruit and gooseberry. The palate is well-balanced with a spicy entry, just a hint of ginger, well-balanced with a saline finish. This is absolutely delicious.