The 2023 d'Armailhac Bordeaux Blend, originating from the Pauillac sub-region of Bordeaux, France, is a noteworthy red wine blend. It boasts the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon ever used in this estate's history, with a composition of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. The wine is aged in 50% new oak barrels, and the alcohol content is 13.5%, with a pH of 3.75. Harvesting occurred from September 7 to 30, 2023.
James Suckling awarded the wine a commendable score of 94 points, describing it as having "a powdery and open texture" and praising its "full-bodied and layered" characteristics. He highlighted the presence of blackcurrants, blueberries, and an orange-peel undertone, concluding with a "velvety texture at the end" (jamessuckling.com).
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, with a score of 93 points, described the 2023 d'Armailhac as "an attractive effort," noting its "aromas of cherries, raspberries, licorice and cigar wrapper." William Kelley emphasized the wine's "fleshy and succulent" nature, supported by "sweet powdery tannins and lively acids" (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate).
The Wine Independent gave the wine an impressive score of 95 points. Lisa Perrotti-Brown noted its "deep garnet-purple color" and the presence of "black raspberries, wild strawberries, and tilled soil." She applauded its "lively and elegantly styled" palate, featuring "plush tannins supporting delicate red and black fruit layers" (The Wine Independent).
Additional reviews from Vinous (93 points), Jane Anson (94 points), Jeb Dunnuck (94 points), Jeff Leve (94 points), and Decanter (94 points) consistently praised the wine's structure, balance, and potential for aging. Neal Martin of Vinous noted the wine's "tightly wound bouquet" and "grainy tannins," while Jane Anson highlighted its "layered cassis, crushed mint, and liquorice root" (Vinous, janeanson.com).
Overall, the 2023 d'Armailhac is a highly regarded Bordeaux Blend, known for its elegant structure, balanced flavors, and potential for further development with aging.
