Aile d'Argent Blanc, 2022

The blend is led by Sauvignon Blanc at 52%, the remainder 39% Semillon and 8% Sauvignon Gris with a 1% soupçon of Muscadelle bringing up the rear. The fruit was pressed directly into barrel, where it remained during both fermentation and élevage, and notably there was no malolactic fermentation this year, to maintain a fresher acid profile. I adore the aromatics here, all waxed orange and peach fruits, with a desiccated concentration that does not veer into anything confit. This lively character is reaffirmed on the palate, with lemon posset and orange flavours, set in a light-footed texture, with a remarkable sense of freshness for this warm and dry vintage. There is a little wrapping of warm-vintage phenolic grip to it, but on the whole this feels very controlled; surely one of the biggest successes in white in this vintage. Poured from standard bottle.

DRINKING WINDOW 2027 - 2035

date of review 06/2025

The 2022 Aile d'Argent (which has been bottled under Diam 30 since 2017) has a silvery hue. It is a little contained on the nose compared to some other Médoc whites, gradually opening with beeswax and honeysuckle scents. The palate is well balanced, with crisp acidity, an attractive waxy texture thanks to the Sémillon, with a little oiliness toward the finish. Very fine.

DRINKING WINDOW 2024 - 2034

date of review 05/2023

Don't expect a big production of the white in 2022, as they saw just 16hl/h yields, mainly because Sémillon had such tiny berries, with high skin to juice ratio making things intense and concentrated. Think mango, pineapple, lemongrass, lime and mandarin zest, with a supple texture, with a delicious, and necessary, kick of bitterness on the finish. There has been a migration towards cooler terroir for the whites, still in their own vineyards either in Pauillac or just over appellation boundary. 45% new oak, 100% whole bunch pressing, zero malolactic (which is not always the case in Mouton), 3.18ph with zero adjustment ('this is not even something we ever discuss'). Harvest August 22 to 30. Second full year of Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy as technical director across the Mouton wines.

DRINKING WINDOW 2023 - 2032

date of review 05/2023