Château d'Aiguilhe 2011 (RP: 88) / 2012 (RP: 87)

酒莊的歷史可追溯至18世紀，不過現在已成為德國伯爵 Stephan von Neipperg旗下的酒莊。伯爵既是傑出的釀酒師，亦是多家頂級酒莊的莊主，包括Saint-Emilion人稱「加菲貓」的châteaux of Canon La Gaffelière 及 La Mondotte。 
酒莊位於波爾多右岸坡地的最高處，與Saint-Emilion距離約10公里。現時佔地140公頃，90公頃用於葡萄種植。大約80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc，葡萄藤平均樹齡為28；種植於山坡高處，整體向南，有充分日照。土地為黏土石灰石和泥質黏土，上層為薄薄一層貧瘠的土壤，其下是石灰石地層，確保葡萄一年四季都享有出色的水利調節系統。葡萄以人手採收，在橡木桶及混凝土缸浸漬發酵，然後於法國橡木桶內進行蘋果酸-乳酸二次發酵及浸渣陳年。

產區保護條例：
波爾多 AOC Cotes de Castillon

產地：
法國波爾多

種類：
紅葡萄酒

葡萄品種：
Cabernet Franc, Merlot

釀造：
人手採收，溫度調控下浸漬發酵。布爾岡式的下壓，於法國橡木桶內進行蘋果酸-乳酸二次發酵、浸渣陳年。

品酒筆記：
(2011)
(Robert Parker's rating: 88 points)
這款比預期中更好的Castillon，有較深色的紅寶石及紫色。果香帶有豐富的黑加侖子、黑櫻桃，並混合了叢林及春天花草香氣。多汁的口感，中度至厚重的酒體，富有純淨感及成熟度。橡木、酸度、單寧及酒精感，揉合得恰到好處。

(2012)
(Robert Parker's rating: 87 points)
這款Neipperg家族的佳釀，表現出深紅寶石及紫色。有良好的香料和土壤的感覺，紅果及黑果味兼而有之。中度酒體及輕型單寧，入口更為柔軟。

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Château d'Aiguilhe has a history dating back to the 18th century, buy now it is acquired by Count Stephan von Neipperg. He is a prominent winemaker and owned many well-regarded winery including châteaux of Canon La Gaffelière and La Mondotte in Saint-Emilion.
The winery is located on hills overlooking the Right Bank of the Dordogne River. This 140 hectare estate has 90 hectares of vines, composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, with vines averaging 28 years old. They are planted on the upper hills, with south-facing sun exposure.

The thin layer of clay-limestone and clay-silt topsoil covers a layer of rather meagre soil on a limestone substratum. This terroir provides wonderful hydric regulation all year round. Grapes are handpicked and sorted. The fruit is fermented in oak vats and cement tanks, and then the wines goes through malolactic fermentation and aging on the lees in barrels. 

Appellation:
Cotes de Castillon

Country of Origin:
Bordeaux, France

Type:
Red/Rouge (Still)

Grape Varieties:
Cabernet Franc, Merlot

Tasting Notes:

(2011)
(Robert Parker's rating: 88 points)
This reliable, over-achieving Castillon boasts a dense ruby/purple color in addition to abundant black currant and black cherry fruit intermixed with notions of forest floor and spring flowers. A juicy, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel as well as super purity and ripeness, and beautiful integration of oak, acidity, tannin and alcohol suggest this delicious, front end-loaded value selection should drink nicely for 8-10 years. 

(2012)
(Robert Parker's rating: 87 points)
One of the better wines from Castillon, this wine, from the Neipperg family, exhibits a dark ruby/purple color, nice spice, earth and red and black fruits. It is medium-bodied with light tannin and a soft underbelly.