Being a neighbour of Mouton Rothschild and belonging to the same stable is never a bad thing, but in 2016 it is spectacularly good news – this vintage their wines are positively singing.
D’Armailhac combines finesse and elegance with power and structured velvety textured tannins that are reminiscent of Pauillac’s greatest wines. This is partly down to its vineyards, which boast some of the oldest vines in the Medoc; close to 20% of their entire vineyard is more than 125 years old, with plantings dating back to 1890! With this age comes small grapes bursting with concentration and flavour; seductive black fruits are wrapped in a refined but powerful structure producing a harmonious wine that will cellar well for several years.
Since 2005 this estate has been performing extremely well and offers exceptional value in 2016. Neal Martin has given the 2016 its highest ever score 92-94 ‘Quite simply, this is one of the best wines of Château D’Armailhac that I have tasted, somehow not a million miles away from Grand Puy Lacoste in style.’
For those who are looking for a great drinking wine that holds exquisite pedigree and shows solid Pauillac character, then look no further, this is it.
Ch d’Armailhac 5ème Cru Pauillac 2016
£390.00 per 12 bottles IB
£400.00 per 6 magnums IB
£160.00 per single double magnum IB
Another Pauillac property in the Baron Philippe de Rothschild stable. Deep purple hue, the scent of smoky, toasty oak circles around dark fruit aromas. There is a chalky freshness to the tannins and vibrant acidity, with a long, lively finish. Drink 2021-2031. Goedhuis, 92-94 points
The 2016 D’Armailhac is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot that was picked between 27 September and 14 October. The bouquet is very impressive, typical d’Armailhac in terms of the opulence and flamboyance with lush black cherry and boysenberry fruit, a subtle floral note developing with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a crisp and tensile entry; there is immense purity here with some lovely blue fruit appearing on the finish. This is a d’Armailhac that is emboldened by unprecedented tannic structure that gives it real backbone and a sense of authority. Quite simply, this is one of the best wines of Château D’Armailhac that I have tasted, somehow not a million miles away from Grand Puy Lacoste in style. Drink 2021-2045. Neal Martin, 92-94 points
This is really tannic and muscular for d’Armailhac. Perhaps the most powerful ever. Full and chewy yet balanced and polished. Very, very impressive. Greatest ever? James Suckling, 95-96 points