Chateau D’Armailhac 5eme Cru 1989

Jane Anson: A vintage that was hot across the entire growing season (except for the month of April), and you feel a modern range of aromatics, with mocha, smoked caramel, raspberry, red cherry. Firm tannic architecture, and this is an enjoyable wine that really gives a window into old school Pauillac, with tobacco and saline juiciness on the finish. Patrick Leon heading up the estate, and this was the first year with Eric Tourbier as technical director across Mouton, Armailhac and Clerc Milon It was also just a year since Baron Philippe de Rothschild had died, with his daughter Baroness Philippine taking over. 3.8ph. 51hl/h yield. 89% 1st wine. 90/100 (2022)

Jancis Robinson: Dark with some Pauillac structure still in evidence. High-toned, classic Pauillac nose with some dryish tannins still showing. Dry finish – definitely needs food. Bit of a dry old stick on opening. Will it take on flesh and charm in a decanter? Amazingly unfleshy for a 1989! 16,5+/20 (2019)