2022, Château d'Armailhac, PAUILLAC

Bordeaux Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot.

This good value 5th growth Pauillac has been in Rothschild ownership since 1933. It is made by the same wine-making team as Mouton Rothschild. The 2022 is made from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Elevage in 50% new oak.

The 2022 Château d'Armailhac has a very pure and sensual bouquet with precocious black plum, cassis violet and espresso scents. The palate is medium-bodied with muscular tannins on the entry. There's a gentle and discrete crescendo toward its delineated and minerally finish. Excellent. This is more like the d'Armailhac that I was familiar with, say, ten years ago. It will surely be irresistible once it reaches its peak. You've been warned. 93-95 Neal Martin, Vinous.

This is an extremely intense Armailhac, really stepping into its Pauillac boots, a ton of deep plum, cassis and damson. Great expansion through the palate, beautiful depth of flavour, this is extremely impressive, with an edge of eucalyptus and graphite on the finish, and more grip than usual. Yields down to 26hl/h (there are more new plantings here so young vines). Second vintage with the new winery, and new technical director Lucille Lauilhé. 94 Jane Anson, Decanter.

Strongly scented and perfumed on the nose, dark fruits, lively and lithe, supple and smooth on the palate, richly concentrated in terms of fruit density but sleek and stylish on the palate with a burst of bright and fresh blackcurrants and black cherries. Has a tang to it, the acidity and liveliness fills the mid palate before the stony tannins come in towards the end and give this bite and focus. The Cabernet shows liquorice, tobacco and clove subtly giving the spice at the end, but also a fresh mintiness. Really quite profound with concentrated fruit, juiciness and mouthwatering acidity. Fresh and lifted on the finish. 95 Georgina Hindle, Decanter.

This is like a baby Mouton this year with blackcurrant, flower, and orange aromas. Medium- to full-bodied with a tight and racy palate that shows persistence and verve. One to watch. 96-97 James Suckling.

Drinking Window: 2027 - 2052