Winemaker and Vineyard: Château d'Aiguilhe is a beautiful 140-hectare property, with 90 hectares dedicated to vines. Located on the border of the Saint-Emilion and Castillon regions, the vineyard is on a high plateau and benefits from excellent southern exposure. The soil is primarily clay-limestone, which aids natural drainage and allows the vines to root deeply into the limestone subsoil. The property is currently held by Stephan von Neipperg, who took over the property in 1998 and has since made significant investments to improve both the vineyard and the winemaking facilities.

Tasting: Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 d'Aiguilhe jumps up out of the glass with exuberant notes of plum preserves, Black Forest cake and blackberry pie, plus hints of potpourri, hoisin and forest floor. The medium to full-bodied palate has a soft texture and oodles of freshness supporting the mouth-coating black fruit preserves, finishing with loads of exotic spice layers. (robertparker.com, 31.03.2021)

Service: Serve at room temperature to accompany a chocolate fondant with raspberries.