The 2015 Château d`Armailhac is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, marking a slightly higher percentage of Merlot this year. Picking began on September 16 and finished October 5 - one of the longest harvest periods for this estate, according to Philippe Dhalluin. It has a very intense bouquet with layers of small dark cherries and cassis, the oak prominent, though the final blend will contain proportionally less. The palate is very concentrated and quite showy, as d`Armailhac has a proclivity of being at this early juncture. The acidity here is nicely judged with just a touch of graphite coming through on the finish. This is a satisfactory d`Armailhac, but there was a nagging feeling that this is one wine from the Mouton Rothschild stable that left me wanting more. Perhaps that will develop during its barrel maturation? 89-91 points

Lovely florality, lifted fruit and silky tannins. This wine has got both broader and finer over th e years and is now totally complete in the feminine d’Armailhac style. 92 points

Particularly bright crimson. Savoury, lively nose. Drier and lighter than most but racy and satisfying in the new style. Good freshness and breadth. Really very polished. 17.5 points

The 2015 d’Armailhac is especially strong this year. Racy and sumptuous to the core, the 2015 offers lovely depth and radiance throughout. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, blood orange and spices are all pushed forward, while the creamy, generous textures are hugely inviting. The plush, racy personality of the vintage comes through loud and clear. The d’Armailhac is the hidden gem in the Mouton-Rothschild portfolio this year. This is superb effort from the Mouton team headed by Philippe Dhalluin. Tasted three times. 90-93 points