2021 Ch D'Armailhac 5ème Cru, Pauillac

DUE OCT 2024

A blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, the 2021 Château D'Armailhac is a ripe, supple, very pure expression of the château, offering pretty cassis and black raspberry fruit as well as medium-bodied richness, wonderfully integrated oak, ripe tannins, hints of violets and spice, terrific balance, and just a seamless, pure, elegant style that shines in the vintage.

90-92 points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com

Deep crimson. Intense blackcurrant, redcurrant, praline aromas with espresso, vanilla herb/violet notes. Firm and assertive with dense blackcurrant, dark chocolate, espresso flavours and fine chocolaty tannins. Neatly balanced wine with underlying oak and firm minerally finish. 63% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 13% cabernet franc, 2% petit verdot. 18 months in around 40% new French oak. 13% alc

95-96 points Andrew Caillard MW

First year with the new cellar at Armailhac, and a new technical director, as Lucie Lauilhé has replaced Jean-Paul Paultert, with Paultert retiring after 29 years in the post (Lauilhé was only present for harvest and blending, 2022 will be her first full year). There are big plans for this property, but in 2021 it is playing things a little safe, with juicy balance, delicate tannins, plenty of grip and precision to the raspberry and blackberry fruits, but a little soft on the finish. There is due to be a 2nd wine in the future, which will help with concentration, but the signature of 2021 is evident here. A little more Cabernet Franc, after poor fruit set with the Melrot. 3.73ph. 50% new oak, 60IPT. Tasted twice.

92 points Jane Anson janeanson.com

Succulent and softly supple, this has lots of energy and pace with bright red fruits, raspberries and cherries, alongside sweet spices and perfumed nuances. The acidity is so well judged it lifts the palate and delivers the individual elements with precision and poise, so you get a playful, friendly and upfront wine offering so much pleasure. I love the clarity here too, the sheer chalky and saline texture on the tongue; it feels clean and clear with a pristine quality. This will be a fabulous wine! 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 3.72pH. The first vintage to be vinified in the new winery which was completed just in time for the harvest.

Drinking Window 2025 - 2045

93 points Georgie Hindle decanter.com

Reminiscent of a modern-day version of this estate's delicious 1999, the 2021 d'Armailhac is a terrific wine bursting with aromas of wild berries, cherries, exotic spices and rose petals. Medium to full-bodied, supple and seamless, it's fleshy and enveloping, with melting tannins and an ample core of sweet, succulent fruit. This is a pleasure-bent wine that will offer a broad drinking window.

91-93 points William Kelley robertparker.com

A firm and linear young red with currant and graphite character. Medium body. Fresh finish. Crunchy acidity. 63% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 13% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot.

92-93 points jamessuckling.com