Despite a year full of contrasts in the middle of the vegetative cycle and a fresher, barely sunny and drier August than usual, the highly expected Indian summer - exceptional and long - allowed a harvest in perfect conditions. Indeed, it gave the time to pick the grapes at an optimum ripeness, on the model of a magnificent Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot blend. This 2014 Armailhac is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. This wine offers a dense and intense colour. This Pauillac gives off, with refinement, aromas of wild blueberry and cherry liqueur, completed by liquorice and spicy notes. It shows a nice balance on the palate; the tannins are structured and blended in a full-body and unctuousness, and combine candied fruit expressions. The finish reveals a promising wine, associated to an initial fruit which gives the wine a very good length.
The 2014 D'Armailhac has a clean and fresh bouquet with plenty of fruit: blackberry and raspberry coulis, a touch of cedar coming through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine line of acidity and a tangible level of mineralité on the tensile finish. This is a sophisticated d'Armailhac, probably one that will be approachable after 4-5 years. Recommended, even if I do not regard it as the greatest d'Armailhac in recent years.