Based on raving reviews of wine critics, we had high expectations for Baron Philippe de Rothschild Chateau d’Armailhac 2016. Having tried it a couple of times in previous years, we decided to revisit Chateau d’Armailhac again.
Chateau d’Armailhac Story
The first mention of Château in Pauillac, France, and its owners, brothers Dominique and Guilhem Armailhacq, dates back to the late 17th century. Their descendants planted the first vines, covering over 30 acres, in 1750.
By the end of the 18th century, the family estate has grown to over 100. The merchants of the time describe its wine as “disappointingly thin.” No 93 points wines back then.
For the next hundred years, the Mouton d’Armailhacq family worked on improving the quality of the vineyards and winemaking techniques. Their efforts paid off by 1831, and their wines were twice as expensive compared to more esteemed neighboring chateaus.
As a result, Château Mouton d’Armailhacq was given Fifth Growth status in the 1855 Classification. At the same time, Château Mouton Rothschild was named the prestigious “First of the Seconds.”
In 1933, the young Baron Philippe de Rothschild acquired the estate and renamed it Mouton Baron Philippe in 1956. But returned to its original identity as Château d’Armailhac in 1989.
While the name might have changed, the quality was as good as ever.
Baron Philippe de Rothschild Chateau d’Armailhac 2016
In the Bottle
In 2016, the two main trends defined the weather in Pauillac. A wet winter and spring with more than half of the annual rainfall came in the first four months of the year, and an arid summer and autumn.
Due to the summer drought, the grapes were numerous but small, increasing the density and concentration of flavor.
High temperatures in August and September allowed for excellent maturity, so the harvest started with the Merlot on 26 September and continued in perfect conditions until 14 October.
Chateau d’Armailhac is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Each grape variety and individual vineyard were vinified separately to let their intrinsic character shine through.
So let’s find out how it tasted after blending and ageing for six years.
In the Glass
As we poured the wine, the classic aromas we expect from the better Pauillac wines came rushing right out. We smelled ripe black currant, Cassis liquor, plum, a touch of violets, and dusty aromas right after the first raindrops.
The intense yet rounded flavors of blackberry, Italian plum, black currant, cocoa nibs, and graphite made for an equally impressive palate.
Aftertaste
The finish was a lush combination of plums and black currants dipped in dark chocolate.
Over the years, we tasted the 2016 Chateau d’Armailhac a few times. This was the best taste we had so far, and we hardly expected it to improve so much since the release.
What are your favorites from Pauillac?