91pts James Suckling

Very fruity with strawberry and currants on the nose. Full bodied, with silky tannins and a long, fruity finish. Notes of toasted oak and spice develop on the palate, but this still needs some bottle age.

91pts Wine Spectator

Loads of currant, berry and light toasted oak on the nose with hints of milk chocolate. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium-long finish. Thick texture. Nicely crafted and balanced. (JS)

90pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The deep ruby/purple-hued 2003 d’Armailhac exhibits notes of Asian plum sauce interwoven with creme de cassis, licorice, and roasted herbs. With moderately high yet sweet tannin, an earthy character, and chewy, muscular, deep fruit as well as medium to full body.

Tasting Notes

The wine has an attractive, forthright red color and a refined, fruity nose on which cherry aromas mingle with violet and tobacco.

Round on the palate, with plenty of body and heft, it wraps its already silky tannins around a host of succulent flavors (red fruit, caramel, liquorice, menthol, roast coffee) to make a richly aromatic whole.

The finish bursts with fruit, rounding off a complete, refined and well-structured wine that is both vigorous and seductive, embodying all the allure of a very fine d'Armailhac.

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon 65%, Merlot 20%, Cabernet Franc 12%, Petit Verdot 3%