Chateau d'Armailhac 2005 - 6 Litre Bottle

92 Points - Decanter

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, licorice, cedar and patisserie. This is a lovely, classic Pauillac wine that is not overly intense and retains a sense of juiciness. 

92 Points - Wine & Spirits

Located in the north of Pauillac, between Mouton and Pontet-Canet, this 123-acre estate is also part of G.F.A. Baronne Philippine de Rothschild. The aroma balances meaty fruit and mineral scents, and while the intense red fruit is always there, the tannins seem to increase their intensity with air. They cover the pure black cherry flavour like a powerful skin, deep and plush with an iron-knuckle punch. The tannins don't go away, but their inner velvet eventually wins.

91 Points - Vinous

The 2005 d'Armailhac is in a gorgeous spot today. Early signs of aromatic nuance have started to develop, but the 2005 has at least a handful of years of fine drinking ahead of it. Quite frankly, I am surprised how fresh the 2005 is. Dried flowers, cedar, mint, pipe tobacco and sweet red-toned fruit, are all very nicely delineated. Readers looking for an affordable, mature Claret to drink now will find much to like.

90 Points - Wine Spectator

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

90 Points - Wine Enthusiast

A big, sweet, soft wine with attractive ripe blackberry fruits. It's lively, smoky and licorice-flavoured, with delicious fresh acidity to finish. 

90 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

This powerful, tannic, structured effort from Mouton-Rothschild's stable is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Its dense ruby/purple colour is followed by an earthy nose dominated by black currants and toasty, smoky oak. Medium to full-bodied with relatively high tannin, decent acidity, and a fine finish, it should be at its best between 2014-2030.