Wines Pauillac Château Armailhac - 2022

Château Armailhac 2022 is a remarkable red wine from the prestigious Pauillac appellation, situated in the heart of the Médoc in Bordeaux. As a Cinquième Cru Classé, it is recognised for its elegance and consistent quality. The 2022 vintage is crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and a small proportion of Petit Verdot, typical for left bank Bordeaux blends. The terroir, benefitting from the deep gravel soils unique to Pauillac, imparts structure and age-worthy tannins. Vinification at Château Armailhac follows traditional médocain techniques, with fermentation in stainless steel before ageing in oak barrels, a portion of which are new, lending subtle notes of vanilla and spice that complement the wine’s dark fruit character.

Pauillac, a flagship commune of Bordeaux’s Médoc region, is renowned worldwide for its gravelly soil, which provides excellent drainage and forces vines to root deeply, producing grapes of great complexity and concentration. The proximity to the Gironde estuary moderates temperatures, protecting vines from frost and extremes, while encouraging slow, even ripening. Pauillac’s history is intertwined with Bordeaux’s rise to wine prominence, as it is home to some of the most illustrious estates and an emblematic style marked by power, structure and refined tannins.

For food pairings, Château Armailhac 2022 excels alongside classic French fare. Consider a roasted rack of lamb with herb crust, a Pauillac specialty, or entrecôte bordelaise with rich, bordelaise sauce. The wine’s tannic backbone and refined acidity also complement game meats, such as duck breast, and full-bodied cheeses like aged Comté or ossau-iraty. For a regional touch, pair it with cep mushrooms sautéed with garlic and parsley, which enhance the wine’s earthy undertones.

Serve Château Armailhac 2022 at a temperature of 16-18°C. Decanting for one to two hours before tasting will help soften the youthful tannins and reveal its aromatic complexity. This wine possesses significant ageing potential, and if cellared well, will continue to evolve beautifully over the next 10–20 years.