A stronger effort than its stablemate, Clerc-Milon, the 2012 d’Armailhac is an intriguing blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Complex notes of menthol, coffee beans, black cherries and black currants are followed by a rich, medium-bodied wine with copious tannin as well as sufficient fat and flesh to cover the structure. The harvest took place during the first ten days of October, most of the grapes being brought in prior to the deluge that began on October 7 and lasted until October 9. This excellent Pauillac is a successful Medoc in this challenging vintage for this region. 89-91 points

Tasted twice en primeur at Mouton-Rothschild. The Chateau d’Armailhac is a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. The nose is rather muted at the moment – usually at this stage it is more flamboyant and vivacious. A second sample one week later (under low pressure) accentuated the aromatic leanness. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannins, controlled blackberry fruit infused with tobacco and graphite. It is harmonious and precise, although the fresh finish is missing just a little depth, with the Cabernet Franc imparting herbaceousness on the aftertaste. I hope this will muster more vigour and depth during elevage. 86-88 points

Lovely deep, intense colour. Elegant, fruity nose that is fresh and floral. Smooth on the attack, the wine develops to become fragrant with good presence in the middle and taste, building with flavoursome, noble tannins. It’s delicious and is more rich and supple than usual. Good length. 89 points

Even in a lighter vintage, this is still a crowd-pleasing wine, with sweet coffee bean and mocha oak, abundant rose petal perfume and leafy, refreshing fruit flavours. We’re in Loire Cabernet Franc meets the Médoc territory here, with good minerality and appealing green pepper and cut grass notes. Drink 2020-28. 92 points