Appellations

Armailhac 2015

Pauillac, Fifth Growth

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Tasting Notes

The 2015 D'Armailhac was bottled at the end of May 2017. It has a very seductive bouquet with ample black fruit laced with tobacco and graphite, most but not all of the new oak subsumed. Just like in barrel, there is a floral element that becomes more pronounced with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, well-judged acidity, smooth and harmonious with a sense of mineralité and precision on the finish that is outstanding. This no longer leaves me wanting more—excellent.

Score: 92 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2021-2040 Date: 01 March 2018

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?

Score: 89 - 91 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2020-2035 Date: 01 April 2016

Composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2015 D'Armailhac displays a medium to deep garnet-purple color and exuberant notions of exotic spices and potpourri over a core of black and red cherry preserves plus wild blueberries and a waft of tar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals mouth-filling, juicy black berry flavors with approachable, grainy tannins and wonderful freshness on the finish.

Score: 92 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2019-2034 Date: 21 February 2018

Berries and smoke with some wet-earth and leather undertones. Medium to full body, round and velvety tannins and a juicy and delicious finish. Like the walnut and coffee undertone. Drink in 2020.

Score: 93 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 02 February 2018

A refined and pretty red with plum, blackberry and black cherry aromas and flavors. Full to medium body, fine tannins. Exuberant.

Score: 92 - 93 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 01 April 2016

Made by the team at Mouton Rothschild, the 2015 Château D’Armailhac is a ripe, sexy 2015 that has plenty of power and depth in its cassis, lead pencil shaving, spice, and roasted herbs aromas and flavors. The 2015 is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon blended with roughly 30% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, and it’s medium to full-bodied, balanced, nicely concentrated and should keep for two decades or more.

Score: 92 Jeb Dunnuck, - Maturity: 2018-2038 Date: 30 November 2017

Rich aromatics of ultra-ripe fruit and roasted almonds and allspice. Attractive and open-knit in the mouth with seamless texture. Fine wood tannins are underpinned by notes of coconut and spices enduring on the finish.

Score: 91 - 93 Albany Vintners, - Date: 27 April 2016

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. 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.

Score: 17 - 18 Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2024-2040 Date: 01 April 2016

This has good density midpalate, with red currant and plum fruit. Keeps a slightly racy edge overall, with a lightly chalky frame giving way to iron through the finish.

Score: 88 - 91 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Date: 01 April 2016

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.

Score: 90 - 93 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Date: 01 April 2016