Château d'Armailhac, 5ème Cru Classé, Pauillac, 2010
Tasted 3 times with mixed reviews, although we should discount the sample that came near the end of our gruelling 3.5 hour negociant tasting - we were all struggling by this stage... Produced from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Quite classical with notes of pencil shavings, graphite and flowers. The palate offers flavours of fruit cake, crème de cassis and violet fruit. A powerful, strict d'Armailhac with splendid texture, extract and length, but not that harmonious at this early stage. It should knit together and become an impressive Pauillac.
critic reviews
A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2010 d’Armailhac is deep garnet-colored. It needs a lot of swirling to unlock notes of graphite, baked plums, and blackcurrant cordial, followed by hints of tobacco, dusty soil, and garrigue. The medium-bodied palate has a rock-solid structure of grainy tannins and great freshness, finishing long and earthy. Needs time!
Rich and powerful aromatics, liquorice and graphite, rising to meet the brillance of the 2010 vintage, and it's really one to seek out. Armailhac is channeling a classic interpretation of Pauillac in this vintage, in its holding, the density of the tannins that are integrated but with bite, showcasing a wine at the beginning of its life but already deliciously welcoming. You feel the contribution of the Cabernet Franc in its floral edge, and its saline finish and this is measured, elegant, confident. 65% 1st wine. Jean-Paul Voelert winemaker, at this point working only on Armailhac, because Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy had arrived at Clerc Milon, meaning all three properties now had their own focused team. Harvest September 28 to October 15, 30% new oak.
The 2010 d’Armailhac seems to be opening nicely on the nose with scents of raspberry, cranberry, brown spices and an underlying ferrous element. Good definition. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins and well judged acidity. This feels harmonious and smoother in texture than many of its peers, tobacco and black pepper towards the finish. This is ready for business and should drink well over the next decade. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.