| 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 is made by the same wine-making team as Mouton Rothschild. The blend here in 2018 was 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. A new winery was completed in 2021.
The 2021 d'Armailhac, aged in 50% new oak, is the first vintage to be vinified in the new winery, which was completed a month before the harvest. It has quite a strict bouquet, tight and focused, with broody dark berry fruit, pencil box and tar, quite classic in style. The palate is harmonious and smooth with fine tannins, just the right amount of acidity and a sapid finish that lingers in the mouth. Residual graphite notes linger after the wine has exited. Very fine. (13.0% alcohol)
Reminiscent of a modern-day version of this estate's delicious 1999, the 2021 d'Armailhac is a terrific wine bursting with aromas of wild berries, cherries, exotic spices and rose petals. Medium to full-bodied, supple and seamless, it's fleshy and enveloping, with melting tannins and an ample core of sweet, succulent fruit. This is a pleasure-bent wine that will offer a broad drinking window.
In 2021 Armailhac is made up of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, only 22% Merlot (normally a third of the blend), 13% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Only half the crop was selected for the grand vin, which is 13% abv with a little chaptalisation. This is the first vintage to be made in the new winery. Mid ruby colour. The nose is cool with red fruit, dried herbs and a touch of cedar. The palate follows in the same fruit tones, with a fresh and easy, compact fruit core. Red berries and cherries have a sappy, hedgerow character with a lightly savoury spice bolstering the fruit. The finish is cool and lightly saline.
The 2021 d'Armailhac is the first vintage made in the newly refurbished winery. A blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, harvested from 28 September to 8 October, it is aging in 50% new oak. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it slips out of the glass with up-front scents of baked blackberries, black raspberries, and kirsch, followed by hints of cinnamon toast and sauteed herbs. Light to medium-bodied, the palate delivers plenty of vibrant red and black fruits with soft tannins and a spicy kick to the finish. pH 3.72. IPT 60.
2025-2035
First year with the new cellar at Armailhac, and a new technical director, as Lucie Lauilhé has replaced Jean-Paul Paultert, with Paultert retiring after 29 years in the post (Lauilhé was only present for harvest and blending, 2022 will be her first full year). There are big plans for this property, but in 2021 it is playing things a little safe, with juicy balance, delicate tannins, plenty of grip and precision to the raspberry and blackberry fruits, but a little soft on the finish. There is due to be a 2nd wine in the future, which will help with concentration, but the signature of 2021 is evident here. A little more Cabernet Franc, after poor fruit set with the Melrot. 3.73ph. 50% new oak, 60IPT. Tasted twice.
63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Cask sample.
Fragrant nose with brambly fruit and floral notes. Fresh, fruity and sapid on the palate with grainy tannin in behind. Lacks intensity but zest and energy to compensate. More for the medium than long term. (JL)
Drink 2026 – 2035
