D'Armailhac 2015

Deep ruby with a tight rim. Composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, d'Armailhac usually starts slowly with fresh and classic fruit with decent complexity, then gets into its stride, and this applies to this warm 2015. Because part of the Chateau is on sandy soil, Armailhac tannins are more accessible, acceptable and softened in the glass, and it often seems so refined even when young. James Suckling writes on the balance( in the good sense) of the intermix of primary dark berries), secondary (walnut and coffee) and tertiary(leather, wet earth) tones. The texture is nice(round, ample, but soft tannins). Antonio Galoni at Vinous echoed this 'seamless integration', contrasting red fruit(cherry, pomegranate, orange, though. Wine Spectator reflects on 'the core of plum and black currant fruit coiled up while tobacco and violet details fill in... pretty, fine-edged chalky spine holds the finish'.

RP drums on the different beats: dry flowers, blueberries, grainy tannins(he wrote the notes about the bottle in 2018, though) and freshness. Wine Enthusiast also discusses fresh, crisp, bright black fruit and texture. These two writers commend the potential mileage of the bottle.

Overall, scores, tastings and comments are consistent, hence a safe buy—Lightish for Cru standard, enjoyable and likeable. Updated scores are JS93, V93, RP92, WS92.