2018 Château d'Armailhac 6 Pack

96 POINTS

Bettane & Desseauve

Merveilleuse finesse. Longueur, délicatesse, classe. Le meilleur millésime du cru depuis bien longtemps…

95 POINTS

Peter Moser - Falstaff

Dark ruby garnet, purple reflections, subtle brightening at the rim. Delicate tobacco, a touch of vanilla, cassis, dark sweet cherry, blackberry, fine herbal savouriness, candied grapefruit pith, subtle mint. Juicy, forest fruit confit, elegant and freshly structured, ripe, round tannins, cassis also on the finish, dark nougat, very good persistence, very good ageing potential. (2020-2045).

95 POINTS

James Suckling

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.

94 POINTS

Peter Moser - Falstaff

Deep dark ruby, purple reflections, delicate bright rim. Ripe cherries, blackberry confit, a hint of fresh orange zest, inviting bouquet, delicate noble wood nuances. Juicy, ripe dark fruit, fine sweetness, integrated tannins, freshly structured, chocolatey touch on the finish, good length, a fine savoury food wine.

94 POINTS

Jane Anson - Decanter

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.

94 POINTS

Jane Anson - Decanter

Armailhac has held its success from en primeur and has further gained in weight during ageing. This is a wine that is changing a little in style, deepening in profile and upping the new oak for ageing from 30% to 50% (and staying in barrel for a little longer). Unusually high alcohols for this corner of Pauillac, likely from the concentration that happened in September on the Armailhac gravels (there is less clay in the soil at this spot). It comes through in a rich mouthfeel, chewy tannins and chocolate-covered damson fruits. 5% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Bottled mid-May. New winery under way.

93 POINTS

James Suckling

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. Points: 93-94