2016 Château d`Armailhac, 5ème Cru Classé Pauillac

Ownership and wine-making philosophy are the same here as at Ch. Mouton-Rothschild, and this property has greatly benefitted from the family links. Since 2006, all grapes have been carefully brought by gravity into the vats – which means that the tannin extractions are very gentle, being initiated not by automatic, mechanical means, but solely after tasting and careful assessment.

Tasted on four separate occasions in Bordeaux this spring, the 2016 consistently impressed us. The blend comprises 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot: the high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon shines beautifully in the aromas here, which recall ripe, concentrated, sweetly spiced blackcurrants. Palate is full and plump, with splendid breadth of fresh, pure cassis fruit. This is a vibrant mouthful with lovely follow-through and an elegant, finely tannic, long-flavoured finish (for drinking 2022-2040+).