Winemaker Notes
A dark and intense red with a crimson hue, the wine releases red fruit aromas accompanied by light and subtle floral notes as well as delicate touches of candy thatcombine harmoniously with black cherry. Smooth and precise, it reveals refined, elegant tannins along with freshness and beautiful balance. That impression persists, accompanied by pleasant spice and pepper notes, then ripe fruit flavors that linger long on the finish.
Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Château d'Armailhac Pauillac 2023 is shaping up as a polished, classically structured Pauillac with excellent balance and strong aging potential. Produced under the Baron Philippe de Rothschild portfolio, the 2023 vintage emphasizes Cabernet Sauvignon purity, graphite minerality and refined tannins rather than sheer power.
Professional ratings released so far:
- James Suckling — 94–95 points (barrel sample)
- Jeb Dunnuck — 93–95 points
- Vinous (Antonio Galloni) — 92–94 points
Critics consistently highlight aromas of blackcurrant, cassis, cedar, tobacco leaf, pencil shavings and violets, with fresh acidity and a long, mineral-driven finish. The 2023 vintage appears more elegant and focused than opulent, showing precision and freshness from the cooler growing conditions.
On the palate, the wine is medium- to full-bodied with layered dark fruit, fine-grained tannins and classic Pauillac notes of graphite, cigar box and crushed stone. Oak is well integrated, supporting structure without overwhelming the fruit. Compared with richer recent vintages like 2019 or 2020, the 2023 leans more restrained, aromatic and terroir-driven.
Expected drinking window:
2029–2045+
Collectors view the 2023 as a strong value among classified-growth Pauillacs because it delivers much of the Rothschild polish and Pauillac typicity at a more accessible price point than neighboring estates like Lafite or Mouton.
Professional Ratings
- 94 James Suckling
There’s a powdery and open texture to this red. Full-bodied and layered with a pretty and weightless texture. Blackcurrants and blueberries and an orange-peel undertone. Velvety texture at the end. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, 13% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot.
Barrel Sample: 93-94
- 94 Jeb Dunnuck
Including slightly more Cabernet Sauvignon than usual, the 2023 Château D'Armailhac is based on 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, aging in 50% new oak. It's a ripe, medium to full-bodied, spicy, impressive Pauillac that has both red and black fruits, ripe, round, velvety tannins, the fresher, vibrant style of the vintage, and some classy tobacco and lead pencil aromatics. It's going to need at least 4-5 years of bottle age to come together, but it’s beautiful wine in the making. The alcohol is 13.5%, and it has a pH of 3.75.
Barrel Sample: 92-94
- 94 Decanter
Gorgeous fragrance, so floral and alive on the nose, minty and herbal as well as full of violet and cherry elements. Smells quite intense but fresh too. Bright and in focus, streamlined with a racy core - bright acidity and fine tannins, very harmonious if still strict and focussed. It’s full and balanced in its own way with good structure and persistence from start to finish. Sleek, tangy, taut, I like the soft power, the slightly grippy tannins and the freshness throughout. Leaves a bitter grapefruit orange skin tang on the finish. Highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. 62 IPT. 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend.
Barrel Sample: 94
- 93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2023 d'Armailhac is an attractive effort, bursting with aromas of cherries, raspberries, licorice and cigar wrapper. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and succulent, with a pretty core of fruit, sweet powdery tannins and lively acids, it's a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot—which is a rather high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon for this address.
Barrel Sample: 92-93
- 93 Vinous
The 2023 d'Armailhac was picked from September 7 to 30 and aged in 50% new oak. It contains the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon to date. Its tightly wound bouquet demands encouragement from the glass, perhaps just missing the panache that elevated the previous vintage. You could argue that this seems more “serious.” The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and a firm backbone. It’s a little pepperier than previous vintages, closing with a streamlined finish. Give this two or three years in bottle. –Neal Martin
Barrel Sample: 91-93
