Château d'Armailhac, 5ème Cru Classé, Pauillac, 2022
Tasted after the wonderful Clerc Milon, d’Armailhac, whilst not quite at the same level, is mighty impressive; almost certainly the finest wine we can recall tasting from this chateau. The Cabernet Franc brings more florality to proceedings with notes of raspberries, eucalyptus and roses. There's admirable concentration, a certain cut and thrust to the energetic mid-palate and a framework of robust tannins. It feels less exuberant and more vertical than Clerc with a wonderfully salty, nuanced finish of cassis, liquorice and graphite. A top drawer d'Armailhac made from a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.
critic reviews
The 2022 d'Armailhac is definitely a step up: fresh blackberry and blueberry fruit, just a hint of cassis, wonderful delineation and seamlessly integrated new oak. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannins, smooth and sensual, pitch-perfect acidity and a creamy finish that just lures you in. Wonderful. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.
This is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, and the élevage was in 50% new oak, the remainder second-fill barrels and a couple of stoneware amphorae for the Cabernet Franc, made in the new cellars (which have been in use since 2021) and made under the watchful eye of the recently appointed director Lucie Lauilhe. The nose presents a sweet and concentrated character, with a bare touch of confit confidence here. The palate feels rather gently concentrated at first, modestly knit together, with a charming and forward textural confidence, an elegantly polished substance, a finely grained tannic structure and fresh grip. A rather sappy and fresh style running into a fresh finish, which carries along a core of finely grained tannins. A good and modestly styled wine for the vintage, which should develop a harmonious evolution with time. Tasted twice. The alcohol is 14.35% with 14.5% on the label.
Punch of black fruits and spice, concentrated, impressive vintage of d'Armailhac, quite different in character from this estate even five or 10 years ago - rarely has this wien shown such depth and powerful character. Second vintage with Lucie Lauilhé as technical director. Harvest September 8 to 27.
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.