Chateau d'Armailhac Pauillac 2021

Château d'Armailhac is a notable winery in the Pauillac appellation of the Bordeaux region, part of the esteemed Mouton Rothschild family of vineyards. The estate's history dates back to the 18th century, originally known as Château Mouton d'Armailhac. It was classified as a Fifth Growth in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.

The estate changed names multiple times, reflecting ownership changes and rebranding efforts. In 1989, it was finally named Château d'Armailhac. The vineyard spans approximately 70 hectares and is planted with traditional Bordeaux grape varieties.

94 Points Decanter
Smells heady, black bramble fruit on the nose, fragrant black cherries, a dusting of clove and cinnamon spice, orange peel - slightly bitter but juicy with a hint of toast too. Quite tight and lean, direct and focussed, this is streamlined - you can feel the cool blue fruit and slightly tense tannin structure, seamless but all held in one line in the centre of the wine. A little strict, but pure, precise and clean. There is lovely clarity to the expression, a silky texture with mouthwatering acidity. Tastes fresh and lively and so clean with that moreish salty and menthol tang that lingers on the tongue. Sleek with a really long finish. Really intense flavours that coat the mouth - cinnamon, clove, redcurrants, cherries, blueberries and blackcurrants. Cola and liquorice lingers on. Sleek and well delivered.

92 Points Wine Advocate
The 2021 d'Armailhac has turned out beautifully, bursting with attractive aromas of minty cassis and blackberries mingled with notions of pencil shavings and sweet pipe tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, ample and polished, it's supple and seamless, with a fleshy core of fruit and a licorice-inflected finish. En primeur, I compared this to a modern-day version of the estate's immensely charming 1999, and anyone who remembers the 1999 will find that the 2021 delivers just as wide a drinking window.

92 Points James Suckling
This fresh and vivid red has minerals and lead pencil with currants and berries. Some dried flowers. Medium body. Fine tannins and a lively finish. Crispy from bright acidity. Needs one or two years to soften slightly.

Wine Notes
The 2021 vintage of Château d'Armailhac reflects the challenging growing season, marked by unpredictable weather. Despite this, the wine showcases the expertise and resilience of the vineyard's management.

Deep ruby color with a vibrant edge. Aromas of blackcurrant, cherry, and blackberry, complemented by hints of cedar, tobacco, and a touch of graphite. The wine is medium to full-bodied with a firm structure. Flavors of dark berries, cassis, and plums are layered with earthy undertones and a subtle spice. The tannins are fine-grained, providing a solid backbone and aging potential. The finish is long and elegant, with lingering notes of dark fruit and a hint of minerality.