2024 Chateau Mouton Rothschild Aile d'Argent

In the early 1980s, Philippine de Rothschild decided to plant a few hectares of the vineyard with white grape varieties. The sandy, gravelly soil is planted with Sauvignon Blanc (52%), Semillon (39%), Sauvignon Gris (8%), and Muscadelle (1%) at a density of 9,000 vines per hectare to encourage competition among the vines. 50% of the wine ages in new oak barrels. Mouton Rothschild Aile d'Argent is rich, complex, and elegant, and despite being produced in very limited quantities, it has quickly become a benchmark for lovers of fine white Bordeaux wines.

Aile d'Argent is the title of a children's story that Father Baron Philippe de Rothschild read to his children. It was a kind of made-up fairy tale about the flying teapot. The teapot was called Aile d'Argent, Silver Wing. When the war broke out, Philippe de Rothschild was arrested (because of his Jewish background). In prison, he wrote the story Aile d'Argent la Magique (Magical Silver Wing) from memory, and it was published by Gallimard in 1947.

The Mouton Rothschild Aile d'Argent is pale yellow with green nuances; the wine is both intense and expressive on the nose. It opens with aromas of citrus and white fruit and then reveals, after some aeration, notes of tropical fruit, minerals, and white pepper. From a fresh and zesty start with hints of lemon and spices, the taste becomes softer and creamier, with notes of pastry and apricot, while toasted and burnt accents harmoniously accompany the finish.

Ratings: 96-97 James Suckling, 94 Jean-Marc Quarin, 94 Jane Anson, 94 Falstaff Magazine, 94 Decanter, 93-95 Jeb Dunnuck, 93-94 Alexandre Ma, 92-94 The Wine Independent (L. Perrotti-Brown), 91-93 Vinous (A. Galloni), 89-91 Wine Advocate.

FUN FACT: The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to pick up the wine, you often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others, via the links next to the image. A free service for our customers.

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1. Pan-fried sole with beurre noisette, lemon, and parsley
The creamy sauce and the delicate texture of the fish pair beautifully with the subtle woody notes and the refined mouthfeel of the wine. Lemon and parsley bring freshness that harmonizes with the lively acidity.

2. Lobster salad with fennel, orange, and tarragon
The juicy lobster and anise-like fennel complement the roundness and spiciness of the wine. The citrus accents from the orange enhance the freshness in the glass.

3. Grilled chicken breast with creamy leek sauce and roasted almonds
The delicate flavors of chicken and leek pair well with the floral and round character of the wine, while almond adds depth that complements the oak aging.

4. Ravioli with ricotta, lemon zest and sage butter
The soft, creamy filling matches the structure of the wine. The lemon zest brings tension and freshness that complements the Sauvignon Blanc component beautifully.

5. Turbot with white asparagus, mousseline sauce and chives
The refined flavors of fish and asparagus are supported by the rich mouthfeel of the wine. The sauce ties the whole together with the soft oak influences and the length of the finish.

6. Pan-fried sweetbreads with celeriac cream and green apple
The soft texture of the sweetbreads and the earthy notes of celeriac enhance the layering of the wine, while the apple provides a fresh counterpoint that accentuates the acidity.