This is an outstanding Castillon estate that is renowned for its rich and opulent wines. The word l'aiguille is French for needle or peak, and indeed the original Château d'Aiguilhe - which burned down in the early 20th century - was on the peak of some hills overlooking the Dordogne, on the border of the Cotes de Castillon and Saint-Emilion regions. Today, the property is run by Stephan von Niepperg. Château d'Aiguilhe is one of the finest and most beautiful vineyards in the Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. Today, the estate covers 140 hectares, including 90 planted with vines. The vines grow exclusively on the plateau, where they benefit from south-facing sun exposure and excellent natural drainage.

All 50 hectares of the vines, which have an average age of 28 years, are on the upper parts of south-facing hills for optimum exposure to the sun. The well-draining clay-limestone soils are rich with minerals, giving extra power and concentration to the vines, which are planted with 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc. The property has been well managed using sustainable viticulture with no herbicides, pesticides or insecticides used. Everything is harvested by hand into small crates and sorted before and after stemming. A thin layer of rather meagre clay-limestone and clay-silt topsoil overlays a limestone substratum that ensures remarkable water regulation. Combined with the average age of the vines, this terroir is ideal for producing quality wine.

Grapes are harvested by hand and fermented in temperature-controlled wooden vats. The wine is then aged for 15 months in oak, 50% of which is new, and fining and filtration is carried out only when absolutely necessary. The wines will drink beautifully from now and for the next 6 years

Perfect with your favourite lamb dish

92 Points Wine Spectator Open-knit in feel, with cassis and cherry compote flavours backed by subtle vanilla, floral and rooibos tea accents. Shows a lingering freshness. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2027. 91 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Medium to deep garnet-purple coloured, the 2017 d'Aiguilhe features notions of baked plums, black cherries and mulberries with hints of underbrush, bouquet garni and tobacco with a waft of cast-iron pan. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is coated with expressive black fruit layers and loads of earthy suggestions, framed by fine-grained tannins, finishing long and refreshing. 90 Points James Suckling A red with pretty notes of salt, vanilla and currants. Medium body. Tight and harmonious. Creamy finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink now. 90 Points Jeb Dunnuck Due to the frost, there's only one-third of the normal production of the 2017 Chateau D'Aiguilhe. Nevertheless, it's an outstanding wine based on a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. It offers more upfront blue fruits and hints of cassis as well as loads of violets and spring flowers. With good concentration, fine tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and outstanding length, it's ideal for drinking over the coming 7-8 years. 90 Points Wine Enthusiast This rich, smoky wine is generous with its fruits and fine tannins. Its fruity character comes through the tannins to give a powerful wine, packed with jammy blackberry flavours. Drink from 2021. Jancis Robinson Mid to deep crimson. Lively cassis with a light cedary/leafy freshness but fully ripe. Juicy, rounded and beautifully harmonious. Tastes gently handled but all in proportion and with what tastes like Cabernet Franc freshness. Tannins are fine and supple already. 16.5/20 points.