2024 Château d´Armailhac 5. Cru Classé

James Suckling - 93-94

A fragrant, floral nose with fresh red cherries, berries and touches of cocoa powder and graphite. Bright and poised, this has medium body, vibrant acidity and an expressive finish. No sweetness. Juicier and more classic this year, though not as concentrated. 72% cabernet sauvignon, 14% merlot and 14% cabernet franc.

Vinous - 90-92

The 2024 Château d'Armailhac was picked from September 25 to October 8. It has a slightly distant nose at first that demands coaxing from the glass. This is not its usual outgoing self, though that said, it is well-defined with black fruit and light damp loam scents. The palate is medium-bodied with quite a peppery entry. This lingers nicely in the mouth with fine grip and a pleasant roundness that emerges toward the graphite-tinged finish. Give it two or three years in bottle.

Decanter - 92

Floral and fruity, smells quite tangy - nicely scented though, really perfumed. Zingy, really alive and focussed in the glass. Almost sour but stays the right side of too tart with lift and focus. Not as much weight as some but the tannins are really fine and this has a menthol and mineral element. Vibrant and vivid. Focussed and streamlined in one single straight line with tension and a mineral bite. Light but elegant with a lifted finish. Ageing 50% new barrels, 18 months. 3.69pH.