Scores
92+
Robert Parker
Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 D'Armailhac comes bounding out of the glass with bold notions of baked plums, redcurrant jelly and crème de cassis plus wafts of violets, dark chocolate and fragrant earth. Medium-bodied, the palate bursts with energetic red and black fruits, framed by ripe, grainy tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing long and vibrant.
91
Vinous
The 2017 d'Armailhac, which was bottled in June 2019, has an attractive bouquet with blackberry and bilberry fruit. The oak is nicely integrated, maybe a little conservative compared to other vintages though that is in keeping with the style of the year. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, a little "angular" perhaps, with a fine bead of acidity and touches of iron-tinged red fruit on the finish. Probably an earlier drinking d'Armailhac, but one with plenty of character.
94
James Suckling
Lots of chocolate and berry aromas with currants. Full-bodied, round and juicy with hints of blueberries and white pepper. Long and flavorful. Firm. A blend of 68% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 7% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot. Needs another two or three years to soften. Better after 2022.
91
Decanter
Pure yet plushly-textured blueberry and damson fruits, get a little dip through the mid palate, but recovers with plenty of redcurrant and raspberry notes, backed up by cedar and spice, all carefully extracted and constructed. Perky, it grows on me, not huge persistency but lots to enjoy. 35% new oak.