2022 Armailhac (Pauillac)

The 2022 Château d`Armailhac has a detailed and expressive bouquet that`s classic Pauillac in style, with a little more black fruit than I noticed from barrel, here laced with cedar and pencil box aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with quite a succulent entry. It has plenty of fruit concentration, gentle grip, a touch of blackberry mixed with black olive and hints of allspice. There is plenty of energy in this Pauillac and as I wrote previously, there is a very pleasing crescendo at the finish. This is one of the best vintages in recent years. 94 points

The 2022 d`Armailhac is a dense, potent wine. All of the exuberance and richness of the year comes through loud and clear. The 2022 is an especially plush d`Armailhac built on fruit texture and opulence. Plush contours wrap around a core of dark red-toned fruit, cedar, leather and dried herbs. This is a bit on the extreme side, but it is well balanced nonetheless. 91 points

Deep aromas of raspberries, cherries, crushed mint and spices preface the 2022 d`Armailhac, a medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated wine that`s deep, lively and seamless, framed by powdery tannins and concluding with a penetrating finish. 92-94 points

The difference from a typical vintage colour is more marked in Armailhac than Clerc Milon, where we are more used to deep colours. This in contrast is an extremely intense Armailhac, really stepping into its Pauillac boots, a ton of deep plum, cassis and damson. Great expansion through the palate, beautiful depth of flavour, this is extremely impressive, with an edge of eucalyptus and graphite on the finish, and more grip than usual. Yields down to 26hl/h (there are more new plantings here so young vines). Second vintage with the new winery, and new technical director Lucille Lauilhe. Harvest September 8 to 27, 50% new oak, 3.83ph. 94 points