2022 Chateau Mouton Rothschild Aile d'Argent

2022 Château Mouton Rothschild Aile d'Argent is the rare white jewel of this legendary Pauillac estate, crafted in very limited quantities from meticulously tended vines. Rich, complex and strikingly elegant, it has rapidly become a benchmark for lovers of fine white Bordeaux. Named after a magical story written by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Aile d'Argent embodies both the imagination and exacting standards that define Mouton Rothschild.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2022 Aile d'Argent shows a bright, pale gold color with glints of green, signalling both youth and freshness. The nose is expressive and layered, offering vibrant aromas of citrus zest, ripe pear, white peach and juicy nectarine, wrapped in notes of elderflower, acacia blossom and fresh herbs. Subtle tones of vanilla bean, toasted brioche and sweet spice from new oak are already well integrated, adding depth without overshadowing the fruit. On the palate, the wine is both generous and finely structured, reflecting the warm 2022 vintage while retaining a precise backbone of acidity. Expect a creamy yet tension-filled mouthfeel, with flavors of lemon curd, grapefruit, quince, and stone fruit supported by mineral accents and a hint of saline freshness. The Semillon brings texture and weight, while the Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris contribute lift, aromatic intensity, and a crystalline finish. The oak influence (50% new barrels) adds finesse and length rather than heaviness. Enjoyable now after a short aeration, it will gain further complexity and harmony over the next 5–10 years, and top bottles may easily evolve beyond that.

Production
Aile d'Argent comes from select parcels within the Château Mouton Rothschild vineyard in Pauillac, on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, where sandy, gravelly soils over deep subsoils provide excellent drainage and force the roots to delve deep. These well-exposed plots are planted to a classic white Bordeaux blend: Sauvignon Blanc (around 52%), Semillon (39%), Sauvignon Gris (8%) and a touch of Muscadelle (1%), at a very high density of roughly 9,000 vines per hectare to encourage natural competition and low yields. The grapes are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness, sorted rigorously, and gently pressed to preserve aromatic purity. Fermentation takes place with a carefully controlled regime, and approximately 50% of the wine is aged in new French oak barrels, the balance in older barrels or inert vessels, allowing Aile d'Argent to combine vibrant fruit, textural richness and refined oak complexity.

Food & Serving
This sophisticated white Bordeaux is a versatile companion at the table, particularly well suited to fine seafood and elegant poultry dishes. Pair it with butter-poached lobster, scallops, turbot, sole meunière or grilled sea bass, as well as roast chicken with herbs, veal in a light cream sauce, or rich shellfish pastas. It also works beautifully with sushi, refined vegetable dishes, and semi-hard cheeses such as Comté or aged Gouda. Serve chilled but not too cold, ideally around 10–12°C (50–54°F), to allow the aromatics and texture to fully express themselves. A short decant of 20–30 minutes for young vintages like 2022 can help the wine open up and reveal additional layers of fruit and spice.

Producer
Château Mouton Rothschild is one of Bordeaux’s most illustrious estates, elevated to First Growth status in 1973 after decades of tireless pursuit of quality under Baron Philippe de Rothschild and later his daughter, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild. While the château is famed for its iconic red grand vin and artist-designed labels, Aile d'Argent represents its equally ambitious venture into white wine, begun in the early 1980s when Philippine chose to plant a small portion of the Pauillac vineyard with white varieties. The cuvée’s name, “Aile d'Argent” (Silver Wing), is taken from an imaginative children’s tale created by Baron Philippe himself, later published in 1947, underscoring the family’s deep connection to art, literature and culture. Today, Aile d'Argent stands as one of the Médoc’s most sought-after dry whites, admired for its precision, depth and consistent excellence vintage after vintage.