2025 Armailhac (Pauillac)

This delivers the classic character of a Left Bank wine with plenty of concentration and deep fruits. Rich plum on the nose, crayon and pumice stone, with sapid and supple blackcurrant and pomegranate fruits. Just the right level of austerity of a young Armailhac, and this is one of the few this year where I really do feel that squid ink that I love so much. Like 2023 this is a vintage that will benefit from its barrel maturation. 3.7 pH. Harvest September 9 to 20. 50% new oak. Lucie Lauilhé winemaker and director. A slow unroll. 94 points, Jane Anson, janeanson.com, April 2026

The 2025 d`Armailhac is powerful and tightly wound. Brisk acids and incisive tannins shape a young Pauillac that is going to need at least a few years in bottle to come together. There`s gorgeous energy and tension here. It`s a classic d`Armailhac that leans into Cabernet Sauvignon, with an extra burst of red and blood orange-tinged fruit that really comes alive over time. That`s a very appealing combination in my book. 89-91 points

A blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2025 d`Armailhac bursts with aromas of dark berries, violets and lilac. Medium- to full-bodied, with a sweet core of fruit, tangy acids and a youthfully chewy finish, this is a comparatively structured young d`Armailac. 91-93 points

The 2025 d`Armailhac was picked between September 9 and 20 and matured in 50% new oak. This has fine definition and purity on the nose, though perhaps it does not quite grab you like some recent vintages. This plays it "cool". The palate is medium-bodied with fine, slightly grainy tannins that frame the blackberry and cassis fruit. Quite peppery on the finish, less flamboyant than some vintages, though very refined and quite long. Good potential. Maybe it has something up its sleeve? 91-93 points