A reminder of why Armailhac is easily among the most drinkable of Pauillac classifieds, delivering charm and elegance. Tobacco, violet, mint and cloves dominate, with autmunal blackberry fruits beneath. The amount of Merlot in the blend rose for this vintage, but it still delivers plenty of Pauillac concentration, and the finely-boned tannins are holding everything together. You can find 'younger' feeling 1995s in Pauillac (either of Armailhac's siblings for a start), but this has gentle drinkablity, and is a wine for enjoying with a book and a fire. 3.7ph. Harvest September 18 to 27. Patrick Leon director, working with Eric Tourbier across all the estates.