Chateau d'Armailhac 2010

Chateau d'Armailhac, or Chateau Mouton d'Armailhac, as it has been called (the vineyards were actually once part of Mouton), is fifth growth in the Bordeaux classification, and belongs to the stable of Chateau Mouton Rothschild wines. The 50.9 hectare vineyard is planted to 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. This wine tends to be reasonably priced for its rank and quality (everything is relative when discussing prices of Bordeaux!).

93 Points - Wine Spectator    Dense, juicy and inviting, with bouncy briar, blackberry, steeped black currant and melted black licorice notes framed by roasted apple wood and graphite notes. The finish courses along with good definition. Energetic and tempting, but the gripping, iron-laden finish will benefit from cellaring.

93 Points - James Suckling    Polished and very fine with pretty fruit and berry structure. Full and silky with a delicious finish. It's so good now to drink but has depth and structure. Drink or hold.

92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate    Deep garnet in color, the 2010 D'Armailhac leaps from the glass with vivacious scents of baked raspberries, blueberry pie and kirsch plus hints of candied violets and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has lovely energy with a lively backbone and well-played chewy tannins supporting the delicate flavors, finishing minerally.