Château d'Armailhac, 5ème Cru Classé, Pauillac,

Deep ruby in colour, smoked oak on the nose, giving power and tannic frame without sacrificing the salinity and florality that is so present in Armailhac. Cassis, loganberry, cigar box, muscular tannins, cocoa bean, ash, a wine full of savour and character. 56% 1st wine. 50% new oak, and extended time in barrel for ageing, up to 18 months. Jean-Paul Voelert technical director.

A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2019 d'Armailhac is deep garnet-purple colored. It prances out with showy scents of crushed black and red cherries, mulberries, and cassis, plus hints of roses and violets crushed together. Medium-bodied, elegant, and with a quiet intensity, it has very soft, polished tannins and a perfumed finish.

The 2019 d'Armailhac is very perfumed, quite floral on the nose, touches of mint and cassis pinning this down as a Pauillac. The palate is medium-bodied with a slight bitterness on the entry. The tannins are rougher than its peers, yet balanced with a fresh saline, rather sinewy finish. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.