Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pauillac |
Colour | Red |
Type | Still |
This good value classed growth Pauillac was formerly known as Mouton Baronne Philippe and has been in Rothschild ownership since 1933. It is made by the same wine-making team as Mouton Rothschild. The 76 hectare vineyard contains around 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Vines are an average of 39 years old. A new winery was completed in 2021.
The 2022 vintage comes in at 14.5% and 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 was picked from 8 to 27 September and matured in 50% new oak. This 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, though I find just a little more complexity compared to the Clerc Milon this year. 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. 2027-2052
Deep aromas of raspberries, cherries, crushed mint and spices preface the 2022 d'Armailhac, a medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated wine that's deep, lively and seamless, framed by powdery tannins and concluding with a penetrating finish.
Crunchy in fruit with layers of red cherry, dried leaves and fresh blackcurrant. The palate adds a creaminess to soften the fruit, which remains sweet and largely red in colour. There is a real energy to the palate, with chalky tannins cutting through the ripeness. Full of lift on an energetic finish.
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.
The 2022 d'Armailhac is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it slowly emerges from the glass with evocative blueberry pie, black raspberries, and warm cassis scents, giving way to hints of pencil lead, lilacs, and underbrush. The full-bodied palate delivers taut, muscular black fruit with beautifully rounded tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and spicy. This year represents a real step up. pH 3.83, TPI 75.
The difference from a typical vintage colour is more marked in Armailhac than Clerc Milon, where we are more used to deep colours. This in contrast 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. Harvest September 8 to 27, 50% new oak, 3.83ph.
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Cask sample.
Expressive Cabernet nose. Juicy fruit on the palate. A little more power than in some years, the tannins ripe but firm. Plenty of lift and length on the finish. Gourmand as well. (JL) 14.5%
Drink 2030– 2042