Château d'Armailhac Pauillac 2017

Dark in profile but very fresh, with a racy beam of black currant and black cherry fruit that bristles with energy, flanked by a well-honed graphite edge and backed by sweet tobacco and singed alder notes throughout. A crackling Pauillac that's built for the cellar. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2023 through 2038.

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.

This ripe, juicy wine offers good acidity and plenty of blackberry flavors. It reflects the freshness of the vintage, giving a lift to both the tannins and the rich fruitiness. The wine finishes with a touch of chocolate and freshness. Drink the wine from 2023.

I loved the 2017 Chateau D'Armailhac, which is a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot brought up 16 months in 40% new French oak. It has good ripeness and depth, medium to full body, and terrific notes of cassis, toasted spice, lead pencil, and violets. This classic, ripe, sexy 2017 that has a good spine of acidity and a great finish, all making for a brilliant Pauillac that's going to benefit from just short term cellaring and keep for 15-20 years.