2010 d'Armailhac

I loved the nose on the 2010 Château D'Armailhac, a spicy, complex, beautifully perfumed Pauillac based on 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Ripe red and black fruits, saddle leather, flowery incense, and spicy, chocolaty nuances all give way to a ripe, medium to full-bodied Armailhac that has sweet, polished tannins, a balanced mouthfeel, and a great finish. It’s clearly in its prime drinking window yet has another 10-15 years to go. Drink 2025-2040.

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.