Domaine de l'Aurage 2022

Extremely aromatic and full on the nose, perfumed with lots of toasted oak, caramel and sweet clove notes. Full and ripe on the palate, a juicy core with quite a tense structure but precise and detailed. Feels a little compact and severe right now, the wood taking the focus, but there’s still lovely aromatic expression with juiciness and freshness and some mouthwatering acidity. Just a bit tense and it smells alcoholic with some heat on the finish. Aged in a mix of 100% new oak and seasoned barrels. pH 3.8.

The 2022 Domaine de L'Aurage is a wine of pure and total seduction. Ample and creamy in feel, with terrific depth, the 2022 makes a strong first impression. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, incense, chocolate and new leather are some of the notes that inform this decidedly ample, large-scaled Côtes de Castillon. The 2022 is one of the best vintages I have tasted here.

Supple, creamy, fresh, and lush, the sweetness and lift in the mid-palate, coupled with its silky textures and hints of salty chocolate, are simply great in your glass. The wine is produced from 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. 15% ABV. Drink from 2027–2038.

Intense blueberry-scented bouquet with refined cassis spice, blueberry jelly and violet. On the palate, plush with a creamy texture, supported by lively acidity and a medium body. Concentrated finish with blue fruits, graphite and finely sandy astringency. A top value from Côtes de Castillon by Louis Mitjaville.

An irresistibly indulgent, captivating nose with striking notes of freshly ground coffee, mocha, wild berries, and sappy, fresh, sparkling nuances. On the palate, deep opulence that is juicy and easy to drink. A unique, hedonistic flavor that nevertheless stays fresh, carrying through to a long, persistent finish.

The nose is marked by fruit and a certain concentration. It reveals notes of small black berries, blackcurrant and, more lightly, elegant roasted small fruits, combined with hints of fig and sage, with discreet touches of lilac and nutmeg. On the palate, the wine is nicely guided, supple, with precision, density and lovely verticality. Good definition. We perceive notes of pulpy blackcurrant, fairly ripe blueberry, and, more lightly, roasted small fruits, combined with hints of cardamom and mocha, as well as fine notes of tobacco, roasted hazelnut and toast. Good length, with smooth, sapid tannins. The wine leaves a gourmet impression and a lovely underlying juiciness. A slightly tight edge on the finish.