57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot

Robert Parker: 87, Neal Martin: 90/92, James Suckling: 90

Neal Martin: The 2011 Chateau d'Armailhac is a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Tasted on three occasions, it is has fine purity with black cherries and raspberry leaf, a less flamboyant d'Armailhac that usual at this early juncture. The palate is medium-bodied with a sappy, succulent entry that has fine tension. I appreciate the balance and substance of this d'Armailhac that shows impressive cohesion and a fine, chalky tannic frame towards the finish. This should turn out to be a respectable 2011. Tasted April 2012.