Critic Ratings
Jeff Leve – The Wine Cellar Insider 94/100
Tropical fruits, honeysuckle, pineapple, green apples, pears, and white peaches mingle with a touch of saffron to create a lively bouquet. Energetic, crisp, and vibrant, the finish draws attention to a core of green apples, yellow and orange citrus, and juicy pineapple that lingers. It can be enjoyed as soon as it is released. Best enjoyed between 2027 and 2034. 94 points.
Jancis Robinson 17/20
Decanter 94/100
Bright notes of lemon and lime on the nose, along with delicate floral aromas of white acacia. Green grapes, crisp Bramley apples, and white peach follow through. A piercing liveliness then softens with hints of peach and apricot. Focused and taut, with lovely touches of pineapple as well as a wet-stone minerality that really cleanses the palate on the finish. There is clearly a streak of bitterness from grapefruit zest, but I appreciate that straightforward edge. Nervy, yet with enough mid-palate substance to balance the acidity. A slight oily, waxy note also adds breadth. It leaves you smiling on the finish. Perfect with oysters. Aged for nine months in 45% new oak barrels. pH 3.05. 6.5% malolactic fermentation, with an additional four weeks of bâtonnage to balance the wine’s vibrancy with richness.
Characteristics and tasting notes for Aile d’Argent 2024 from Château Mouton Rothschild
Tasting Notes
Appearance
The wine shows a pale yellow color with bright highlights and excellent clarity.
Nose
The bouquet opens with aromas of vineyard peach and citrus, developing into notes of white fruit, verbena, and white pepper. A delicate minerality reminiscent of wet stones completes the aromatic profile.
Palate
The palate is lively and vibrant, marked by fresh spring-like character. Citrus aromas unfold generously within a texture that is both fleshy and refreshing. The finish is long and distinguished by its salinity and ripe fruit flavors.
The refinement and precision of a dry white Bordeaux
The Estate
Founded in 1853 by Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild is an iconic Bordeaux estate located in Pauillac, in the Médoc. Spanning 91 hectares, the vineyard is planted mainly with Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1973, under the leadership of Philippe de Rothschild, it became the only estate ever promoted from Second Growth to First Growth. Now led by Philippe Sereys de Rothschild, the château is renowned for its annual artist-designed labels and its international collaborations.
The Vineyard
Aile d’Argent, the flagship dry white Bordeaux of the estate, comes from a 9-hectare vineyard with sandy-gravel soils. The vines, with an average age of 14 years, benefit from an ideal terroir for expressing white grape varieties, giving the wine its minerality and freshness. This specific parcel, dedicated to white wine production, represents a small part of the vast Mouton Rothschild estate.
The Vintage
The 2024 vintage began with a mild winter and abundant rainfall. Budbreak occurred on March 25, one week earlier than usual. After a relatively dry April, May brought significant rainfall along with cool temperatures and moderate sunshine. Summer proved hot, dry, and sunny, with mild nights. Flowering took place from June 6 to 11, followed by veraison from August 7 to 11. Harvest took place from September 9 to 20 in excellent conditions.
Vinification and Aging
The wine was aged for 9 months, with 45% new oak barrels.
Blend
Sauvignon Blanc (54.5%), bringing freshness and vibrancy; Sémillon (33%), contributing roundness and structure; and Sauvignon Gris (12.5%), adding complexity and aromatic finesse.
