Domaine de l'Aurage 2020

Glossy and weightier in the glass. The nose is dense and rich, not heady but complete, carrying plushly ripe, dark blackberry and plum; this clearly has the same DNA with more mocha and a touch of that mineral slate. The entry is supple and rounded, leading to a juicy palate, full of fresh acidity; the tannins here are finely milled and delicately judged; the fruit that follows the nose fills the mouth with more of that milk chocolate from the oak, leading to a fine, cedar-tinged finish.

Dark in color, the wine is all about its dark cocoa, black cherry, oak and licorice perfume. From there you find a soft, fresh, elegant, silky display of ripe blackberry and plum that lingers in the soft-textured finish. You can drink it now or age it for a few years. The wine is a blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc with no touch of heat in the 14.5% ABV finish. 91-93 pts

I was pretty much blown away by the quality of the 2020 Domaine De L'Aurage, and this is one serious Castillon that readers should jump on if given the chance. Offering a brilliant nose of ripe currants, black cherry liqueur, sweet tobacco, and spicy oak, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless mouthfeel, and beautiful tannins. An absolutely stunning wine, as well as the finest wine I've tasted from this estate, it will evolve for 15 years or more.

Deep purple with an opaque core and a purple rim. An enticing bouquet of freshly picked morello cherries, plum preserve and licorice, backed by a bouquet of violets, chocolate pralines and blueberry jam. On the generous palate, creamy in texture, supported by a tannic framework, fine-grained extract richness and a well-conditioned body. The aromatic finish delivers a fireworks display of blue berries, perfumed pipe tobacco and Grethers pastilles. Another top performance from Louis Mitjaville!

Kunz Barrel Sample 2021: spicy, sweet, powerful, creamy bouquet; strawberry jam, cherry compote, chocolate cream, dried fruit, cedar, mocha. Powerful, finely opulent palate with creamy, sweet fruit, fine, slightly powdery tannins, dense structure, varied sweet aromatics, long, lavish finish.

Spicy, sweet, powerful, creamy bouquet: strawberry jam, cherry compote, chocolate cream, dried fruits, cedar, mocha. Powerful, finely opulent palate with creamy, sweet fruit, fine, slightly powdery tannins, dense structure, varied, sweet aromatics, long, lavish finish. 17/20 2025 - 2036

89-90