L' Aurage 2022, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux Domaine de L' Aurage - Louis Mitjavile | Bordeaux

Domaine de L' Aurage 's cuvée L' Aurage is without doubt one of the finest representatives of the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. It's thanks to the visionary and relentless work of the Mitjavile family, first François and then his son Louis, that the so-called "satellite" appellations of Bordeaux have become increasingly well known to the general public. On L'Aurage, the blend differs slightly from the Pic du Versant cuvée, with 95% Merlot (compared to 85% on Le Versant), and 5% Cabernet Franc.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: Situated three feet from the rows of Saint Emilion Grands Crus, the vines of the L'Aurage cuvée enjoy a particularly privileged location. The Mitjavile family has succeeded in concentrating the qualitative potential of this terroir to create what is unquestionably one of the most accomplished wines in the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellation. The mastery of ageing and tannins is a common feature of all the wines from the wine estate, and this one is no exception. This grand vin de garde will delight lovers of intensity and fleshy power right from its youth.

The nose is racy, powerful and sanguine. Intense notes of leather, black pepper and wild black fruit give the wine a great personality.

The palate is fleshy, a little rustic on the attack, but full of staggering energy. A generous decanting harmonizes the complexity of the flavors perceived on the nose, and reveals the tender, velvety substance of grapes picked at their perfect point of ripeness. A great wine!