Château D’Armailhac 2022

Chateau D'Armailhac is a classified Fifth Growth in Pauillac, founded in 1680 and among the oldest properties in the Medoc. The blend is led by Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Pauillac is the most structured of the Medoc communes, its deep gravel mounds over clay and limestone giving powerful, long-lived Cabernet-based wines. The free-draining gravel forces deep rooting and stores heat for full ripening, while the maritime climate of the Gironde gives a long season that builds firm tannin and dark fruit. The wine is aged for 18 months in oak barrels, whose gradual oxygen exchange softens the tannins and adds cedar, spice and a fine grain to the fruit. The colour is deep, dark ruby. The nose shows blackcurrant, dark cherry and plum, with cedar, tobacco, cocoa and an earthy, mineral edge. The palate is full and firm, with structured tannins and a long, savoury finish that calls for cellaring. Decant an hour or more ahead and serve at 17 to 18 degrees in a large glass. It is a classic match for lamb and beef.