Domaine de l'Aurage is a small estate in the Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux appellation, an area to the east of Saint-Emilion where the same limestone and clay soils that define the Right Bank's finest terroirs continue across the Dordogne River from Pomerol and Saint-Emilion proper. The estate was associated with Jean-Luc Thunevin, the entrepreneur behind Chateau Valandraud in Saint-Emilion, whose influence across the Right Bank extended to the promotion of quality viticulture and terroir-focused winemaking across the appellation's less celebrated communes.

The 2011 Bordeaux vintage across the Cotes de Castillon was broadly satisfactory if not exceptional, with the limestone-dominated estates of this sub-region responding better than some Merlot-dominant properties elsewhere in Bordeaux to the wet August conditions. Domaine de l'Aurage's Merlot-based blend, managed with the attention to low yields and precision that Thunevin's influence brings to his associated properties, is expected to have produced a wine of honest character and genuine regional identity even in this moderately challenging year.

Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux has established itself as one of the Right Bank's most credible value propositions: estates with proper limestone terroir and ambitious winemaking can produce wines that rival village-level Saint-Emilion at a fraction of the price. Domaine de l'Aurage benefits from the credibility of its Thunevin association and the quality of its terroir, making it an interesting proposition for buyers willing to explore the appellation's potential.

Drink now through 2026. This wine is in its mature drinking window. Pair with roast chicken, duck confit or soft cheese. Serve at 16 degrees Celsius.

Mature garnet-ruby. The nose shows evolved Merlot character with plum, dried herb, coffee and a limestone mineral note. The palate is medium-bodied with soft, well-integrated tannins and a warm, direct finish. A mature and honest Right Bank Bordeaux from a well-connected small estate.