2018 Chateau d'Armailhac - 5eme Cru Classe Pauillac

Decanter.com - 94 pts - JA: *This is clearly one of the most concentrated d´Armailhacs that has been produced in recent decades owing to the extremely small and concentrated berries, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested at the end of the growing season. It´s also one of the best, with clear personality and power, and although still the least complex of the three Pauillacs in the Mouton stable, it should offer the best value giving a ton of rich fruit and cigar box frisson. 5% Petit Verdot makes up the blend. 3.7pH. Tasted several times - always with the same impression.* - 04/2019

Falstaff Magazin Juni 2019 - 94 pts: *Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Reife Herzkirschen, Brombeerkonfit, ein Hauch von frischen Orangenzesten, einladendes Bukett, zarte Edelholznuancen. Saftig, reife dunkle Frucht, feine Süße, integrierte Tannine, frisch strukturiert, schokoladiger Touch im Abgang, gute Länge, ein feinwürziger Speisenbegleiter.*
~~~
Falstaff Magazin Februar 2021 - 95 pts: *Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Zart tabakig, ein Hauch von Vanille, Cassis, dunkle Herzkirschen, Brombeeren, feine Kräuterwürze, kandierte Grapefruitzesten, zarte Minze. Saftig, dunkles Beerenkonfit, elegant und frisch strukturiert, reife, runde Tannine, Cassis auch im Abgang, dunkler Nougat, sehr gute Länge, sicheres Reifepotenzial. (2020-2045)*

*The 2018 D´Armailhac (14.5% alcohol) is composed of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, harvested September 12 to October 3. Deep garnet-purple colored, it reveals a very fruity nose of crushed blackberries, warm black cherries and mulberries plus hints of potpourri, spice cake and pencil shavings. Full-bodied, the decadent palate delivers loads of black berry layers and a firm, grainy frame with underlying freshness and an earthy finish. Wonderfully opulent D´Armailhac!* (91-93/100)

Vinum Magazin – 17/20pts: *Von besonders dichter, kompakter, fester, kerniger Art, robustes Tannin ohne Härte, fruchtiges Finale,ausgezeichnet auch in diesem Jahr.* - 06/2019

*Lively cassis and blackberry notes are liberally laced with briar, tobacco and smoky details. Reveals a serious chalky underpinning on the finish. A bit backward, but all the elements are here.-J.M.* (91-94/100)

JamesSuckling.com - 93-94pts - JS: *A soft and generous red with plum, tobacco and currant character and a delicious, full body and brightness. Juicy. Attractive, earthy aftertaste. Layered and dense.*
JamesSuckling.com - 95pts - JS: *Complex aromas of blackcurrant, black olive, clove, oyster shell, pencil lead and tobacco. It’s full-bodied with firm, tightly knit tannins. Concentrated and focused with a very long, spice and mineral finish. Fantastic bottle. Try from 2026.* - 01.2021

Vinous.com – (91-93) pts – NM: *The 2018 d’Armailhac has a fragrant, floral bouquet of blackberry and boysenberry fruit infused with pressed iris flowers, the new oak (45%, which is higher than vintages six years ago) beautifully assimilated and allowing it to retain superb delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, a little more backbone and density than the 2017 tasted alongside, and conspicuous salinity toward the precise finish. This is a superb d’Armailhac in the making. (11/2019)

*With over half Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a rich and juicy wine that is finely structured and shows a touch of integrated toasty spice. It shows a good balance of oak and fruit on the finish.* (92-94/100)

Thewinecellarinsider.com – 94 pts – JL: *The darkest vintage of d'Armailhac I have ever seen, from the first swirl and sniff, you know it's a new level for this chateau. On the nose you find smoke, tobacco leaf, blackberries, plums, wet earth and thyme. On the palate, the wine is lush, round and deep with layers of sweet, dark, ripe fruits, soft, round tannins, herbs, pepper, dark chocolate, spice and a blast of black and dark red fruits in the finish. Give this a decade in the cellar and it will really start strutting its stuff. The wine is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot.* - 03/2021