Chateau d'Armailhac 2012 and 2011

Both wines made good statements for the vintage and terroir. Vintage 2012 is riper, more powerful and expresses definitive, Pauillac character. Vintage 2011 gives deeper structure and freshness.

Also, both wines provide classic, Pauillac fruit and tertiary tones (of blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, coffee beans, licorice), Vintage 2012 seems even more friendly to local palate, with Vintage 2011 adding dimension with floral tones. Vintage 2012 picked late(October 1 to 15); Vintage 2011 closer to standard(September 12 to 28.)

With high vine density(8500 vines/hectare and being some of the oldest ones in Pauillac), Chateau d’Armailhac expresses good concentration of flavors and supple textures, though it is of earlier drinking style(Colombier Monpelou, Pauillac CB, we always recall). Both vintages are structured enough with some freshness and intensity on its medium finish, and as rightly put by JS, there is always certain softness to the palate and so are ready Pauillacs. They now represents one of Pauillac's shrewdest buys in Hong Kong.

Malolatic fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks. Both are matured in a combination of new oak barrels (30%) and 2nd fill barrels from Mouton Rothschild!

Scores are consistent. RP91, WE91.