Chateau D’Armailhac Pauillac 5eme Cru Classe 2012

Description

Chateau d’Armailhac is located in the Pauillac wine-growing region of Bordeaux and was classified as a fifth growth in the historic 1855 classification, when it was known by the name of Chateau Mouton d’Armailhacq. It is part of the esteemed portfolio of Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA’s three Pauillac wineries, alongside Château Mouton Rothschild and Château Clerc Milon.

Chateau d’Armailhac History

Chateau d’Armailhac is located in the northern part of Pauillac, and there are 69 hectares of vines. It borders Chateau Mouton Rothschild to the north and east, and Chateau Pontet Canet to the west and south. The estate can trace its origins back to 1680, when two brothers, Dominique and Guilhem Armailhacq, purchased a parcel of land in Pauillac. There is then mention of a Dominique Armailhac planting vines at the property in 1750.

The estate expanded over the years and passed through various hands. Eventually, a young Baron Philippe de Rothschild would become a minority shareholder. Then, in 1933, he acquired all the shares in return for a life annuity for the then-owner, the Comte de Ferrand. A year later, on the Comte’s death, Baron Philippe became the effective owner of the estate.

Vineyards

The vineyard of Château d’Armailhac comprises three parcels of vines covering some 80 hectares – the Plateau des Levantines et de l’Obelisque, the Plateau de Pibran and the Croupe de Béhéré. All of these have different soils and bring different qualities to the grapes grown there. The vineyards are planted with 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The average age of the vineyard is 46 years.

Chateau D’Armailhac Blend

Chateau D’Armailhac 2012 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 54%, Merlot 29%, Cabernet Franc 14% and Petit Verdot 3%.  The wine is aged for 15 to 16 months in oak barrels (25% new).

Available to buy now at Fareham Wine Cellar.