CHATEAU D'ARMAILHAC 5eme Cru Classe Pauillac 2020 Bottle

Description

Grand Cru Classé, Château d'Armailhac, located in the Pauillac appellation, is contiguous to Château Mouton Rothschild to the north and west. It has 73 hectares of vines with an average age of 46 years. Its soil, made up of light and deep gravel, is planted with classic Médoc grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (35%), Cabernet Franc (8%) and Petit Verdot (2%). The vineyard has a planting density of 8,500 to 10,000 plants per hectare depending on the plots. The grapes are harvested by hand and the aging takes place for 50% in new oak barrels.

JAMES SUCKLING 93-94 points
"A fresh, layered red with blackberry and chocolate. It’s full and beautiful. Cool finish. Soft tannins spread across the finish. Savory."

DECANTER 93 points
Tasted by Jane Anson
Part of Best Pauillac 2020 wines tasted en primeur
"A little austere on the opening beats. Carving out its place more clearly alongside its two Pauillac siblings, this has some excellent sappy dark fruits, plenty of tannins and power but also elegance and confidence. This Armailac is gorgeous, lovely mid palate dept, and plenty of juicy blueberry and bilberry fruit, with lift through the finish, 3% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 50% new oak. Harvest September 7 to 29. The new cellar with be finished for the 2021 harvest, but this one was made in the temporary cellar. I really like this, it has a floral edge, a juice and freshness and sense of elegance; a good two minutes after you have stopped tasting a wave of subtle smoke comes in - the after wash of a fine gravel terroir. 50% new oak, harvest from September 7 to 29 across the three estates. Drinking Window 2028 - 2042."

JANCIS ROBINSON 16.5 points
Drink: 2026 - 2035
59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. Cask sample.
Aromatic finesse with perfumed, floral notes. Mid palate is juicy and fresh, backed by firm, grainy tannins.