2005 d'Armailhac, Pauillac
SKU #1039234
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 pungent red fruit is always there, the tannins seem to increase their intensity with air. They cover the pure black cherry flavor like a powerful skin, deep and plush with an iron-knuckle punch. The tannins don't go away, but their inner velvet eventually wins out. This has improved significantly since the en primeur tastings and will continue to evolve for ten to 15 years in the bottle.
(10/2008)
90 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
D’Armailhac’s 2005 offers notes of cedar wood, forest floor, black and red currants, spice box and earth. It is medium-bodied, relatively soft for a 2005, and best drunk over the next 12-15 years. (RP)
(6/2015)
90 points
Wine Enthusiast
A big, sweet, soft wine, with attractive ripe blackberry fruits. It’s lively, smoky and licorice flavored, with delicious fresh acidity to finish. (RV)
(6/2008)
90 points
Wine Spectator
Exhibits blackberry, currant and licorice on the nose. Full and velvety, with plenty of good fruit. A balanced, fruity red. Best after 2012. (JS)
(3/2008)
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Bright ruby-red. Blueberry, chocolate and leather on the nose, which suggests a wider range of ripeness than the 2006. Unusually sweet and lush for this wine but in a youthfully sullen stage, hinting at sexy oak tones and some leafy high notes. Densely packed but tight and tannic today, with its structure dominating. This needs patience. (ST)
(6/2008)