In Bond Fine Wine. 2022 Château Armailhac, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France. Fifth Growth • Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 96/100 (JD). Drinking window: 2025–2060. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
This Classed Growth Pauillac property is very well-situated between Mouton Rothschild and Pontet Canet. Formerly known as Mouton Baronne Philippe, and renamed Chateau d'Armailhac in 1991 by Baroness Philippine de Rothschild. Owned and vinified by the team at Mouton Rothschild, it is lighter than stablemate Clerc Milon, with more Merlot and Cabernet Franc influence, and offers good value Pauillac with a hint of Mouton style. It has benefitted hugely from its First Growth stablemate's know-how with recent vintages showing a clear step up in quality and precision. James Suckling described the 2022 as "like a baby Mouton". First Growth winemaking at a fraction of the cost.
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 91/100 · Vinous, 28/01/2025 · Drink 2026-2042
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.
Jeb Dunnuck (JD) — 96/100 · JebDunnuck.com, 27/02/2025 · Drink 2030 - 2060
Rocking levels of darker currants, chocolate, tobacco, and spicy notes all emerge from the 2022 Chateau D'Armailhac, a blockbuster from this chateau that has ripe, velvety tannins, a beautiful mid-palate, and outstanding length. Based on 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, this is easily the finest Armailhac I've tasted. It already offers pleasure to…
James Suckling (JS) — 97/100 · JamesSuckling.com, 14/01/2025
Floral character such as orange blossoms and cassis with lead pencil aromas that follow through to a medium body and a lovely balance of fruit and freshness. It's long and caressing with everything in place. Crisp. Best ever? 60% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 16% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot