A classic Pauillac from a benchmark Bordeaux vintage, the 2005 d’Armailhac is now in a beautifully open and expressive phase. It shows ripe cassis, blackberry, cedar, liquorice, and subtle smoky oak, carried by a supple, medium-bodied structure with polished tannins and fresh acidity. Elegant rather than overpowering, this is a harmonious, finely balanced Left Bank wine offering both immediate drinking pleasure and continued evolution over the coming years.

Decanter | D 92
Drink: 2017-2028

This is almost the perfect time to drink this wine, although it still needs decanting to bring out the plush strokes of fruit. Aromatically, it majors on cassis, liquorice, cedar and patisserie. This is a lovely wine, a classic Pauillac that is not overly intense and retains a sense of juiciness. Of the three Pauillac estates tasted here, this 2005 is the one to open today.

The Wine Advocate | RP 90
Published: Feb 9, 2015
Drink: 2017-2040

The Château d’Armailhac 2005 has a very typical d’Armailhac nose with ebullient red and black fruit, cedar and mint coming through with a light black olive scent. The palate is medium-bodied, very well balanced, supple in the mouth and therefore, one of the more approachable Pauillac ’05s. There are hints of bay leaf and clove emerging on towards the finish that fans out with panache, a savory tincture lingering on the finish. Enjoy this over the next decade.

Wine Spectator | WS 90
Published: Mar 31, 2008

Exhibits blackberry, currant and licorice on the nose. Full and velvety, with plenty of good fruit. A balanced, fruity red. Best after 2012.

Wine Enthusiast | WE 90
Published: Jan 6, 2008

Jancis Robinson | JR 16.5
Published: Feb 23, 2017
Drink: 2016-2029

Tasted blind. Mid crimson. Light, classic nose – quite fragrant. Lots of fruit attack before a dry finish. Pretty good stuff. But drying end. (JR)

Chateau-darmailhac.com

Harvest: 21 September to 27 September
Varietal mix: Cabernet Sauvignon 60%, Merlot 29%, Cabernet Franc 10%, Petit Verdot 1%
Tasting notes: The wine has an attractive colour, dark and deep. The nose delicately combines floral aromas, berry fruit (blackberry and cherry), fresh fruit reminiscent of nectarine and a touch of roast coffee. Ample and sturdy on the palate, it reveals forward but already well-integrated tannins that give an impression of body and heft, pleasantly sustained by refined, toasty and slightly smoky oak. The finish, long and full, displays a perfect balance between solid structure, roundness, body and rich, satisfying flavours.
Climatic conditions: Weather conditions for the 2005 vintage were unusual, since the year was 0.3? C colder than the average for the last forty years, mainly due to cooler than normal nights. The period from April to September was particularly dry, with only 313 mm of rainfall being recorded between the start of the year and the harvest, compared with an average of 602 mm. However, these exceptional conditions did not affect the usual pace of the vegetation cycle. Flowering occurred for all three varieties around 5 June and veraison took place a few days earlier than the average, between 1 and 8 August. The grapes were harvested between 21 September and 6 October in conditions that may be described as ideal. Although the atypically dry weather meant that yields were relatively low, the wines show rich, powerful and stylish tannins. Overall, the profile of the 2005 vintage is rather reminiscent of 1976, 1982 and 1995.