Chateau d'Armailhac Grand Cru Classé 2022
Country: France Region: Pauillac, Bordeaux
Varietal: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon 22% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Vintage: 2022 Colour: Red Style: Dry
Producer: Chateau d'Armailhac
Description:
The Estate:
The origins of Château d'Armailhac date back to 1750. At the time, the vineyard was known as "Mouton d'Armailhacq." Château d'Armailhac became fifth Cru Classé in 1855, and its influence spread throughout the Pauillac region. In 1931, the young Baron Philippe de Rothschild became a minority shareholder in the Mouton d'Armailhacq estate. The château subsequently became the entire property of Baron Philippe de Rothschild. In 1989, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild decided to return the château to its original name: Château d'Armailhac.
The vineyard:
Château d'Armailhac is a Pauillac wine made from 73 hectares of vines located to the north of the appellation, on a terroir of light, deep gravel.
The vintage:
2022 began with mild, dry conditions followed by plenty of sunshine throughout the growing season. Rainfall in April and June replenished water reserves. The vines were ideally able to withstand the numerous heat waves, ensuring that the grapes ripened gradually and to a high standard. Flowering was early and uniform. The harvest, which took place in September in a vineyard in perfect health, revealed grapes of great concentration and rare balance, producing rich, elegant wines.
97/100 Points
James Suckling JamesSuckling.com
"Floral character such as orange blossoms and cassis with lead pencil aromas that follow through to a medium body and a lovely balance of fruit and freshness. It’s long and caressing with everything in place. Crisp. Best ever?"
94/100 Points
Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com
"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 wine shown such depth and powerful character."
93-95/100 Points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent
"The 2022 d'Armailhac is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in colour, 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."
Tasting Notes:
Nose: Powerful, the nose entices with its intense fruity fragrances.
Palate: A subtle blend of power and freshness, the palate gives off delicious fruity (black fruit), chocolate, peppery, spicy and floral aromas. Throughout, the palate reveals its elegance and fine tannins, underpinned by a creamy texture and delicious notes of blackcurrant and liquorice.
