A swath of toasty, singed vanilla starts off, quickly backed by waves of currant and plum preserves. As the flavors knit, a graphite spine emerges and drives the anise- and apple wood-tinged finish. Let this settle in with a little cellaring. Very solid. Best from 2020 through 2027. 18,400 cases made.

Moving to the red and made from 80% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, the 2015 Château D'Aiguilhe is also brilliant and well worth seeking out. Sporting a vibrant ruby/purple color as well as gorgeous notes of black raspberries and blue fruits, violates, bouquet garni, and spring flowers, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, bright acidity, and firm tannin, all of which give it a masculine feel, despite having plenty of upfront fruit. This is a beautiful Côtes de Castillon that will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring and keep for a decade or more.

This balanced wine shows fine potential. Its structure dominates at the moment, with solid tannins, but the rich black fruit is all there. Let it develop over the next several years and drink from 2021.

The 2015 d'Aiguilhe is a rich, voluptuous wine. Raspberry jam, rose petal, spice and licorice infuse this heady, exotic wine from Stephan von Neipperg. I would give the 2015 at least another year or two to come together fully. Mocha, white pepper and chalky notes give the wine an attractive upper register. Tasted two times.

The medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2015 d'Aiguilhe gives up wonderfully expressive warm red and black plums, black cherries and spice box on the nose with touches of dried flowers and fallen leaves. The medium to full-bodied palate has generous fruit with plush tannins and loads of freshness.