2016 Aile d`Argent (Bordeaux Blanc)

The 2016 Aile d`Argent Blanc is a blend of 52% Sauvignon Blanc, 46% Sémillon and 2% Muscadelle. Philippe Dhalluin told me that there was more malolactic this year, around 27% of the wine going through complete malolactic fermentation. It has an attractive nose of lime flower, granite and orange blossom aromas, a touch of pineapple cordial developing with time. The palate is very well balanced with crisp acidity, tensile and precise with impressive focus. This is another a deep or powerful Aile d`Argent, but I admire the precision on display here. 89-91 points

Another success for the white wines of the Médoc, this is lovely with true freshness expertly pulled together under tension, contrasting with the roundness through the mid-palate. Clear, fleshy white peach and soft citrus is pulled in on the finish by a lick of wet stone. 53% Sauvignon Blanc, 46% Semillon and 1% Muscadelle. 27% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation to ensure a creamy character to the body. 94 points

Always among my favourite white Bordeaux, this is a wine that is beautifully judged in 2016, with just the right balance between fruit, oak and acidity. Leesy, creamy and subtly toasty, it has lemongrass and grapefruit flavours and a lick of crème fraîche. Drink 2018-23. 95 points

The 2016 Aile d`Argent is laced with the essence of white peach, apricot, pineapple, lemon confit and white flowers. In 2016, it has its usual midpalate pliancy and plushness, but with less overt sweetness and fewer tropical notes than in the past. All things considered, the Mouton team has done a terrific job of maintaining freshness in the Aile d`Argent, no small feat in 2016, especially given the wine`s tendency to emphasize richness. 89-91 points