1992 Baron Philippe de Rothschild Chateau d'Armailhac

The vineyard of Château d’Armailhac, an 1855 Classified Growth under the name Mouton d’Armailhacq, covers 70 hectares (172 acres) in the northern part of Pauillac. An extension of the Carruades de Mouton plateau, the Plateau des Levantines et de l’Obélisque, made up of light and very deep gravelly soil, is the preferred terroir of Cabernet grapes. The deep gravelly soil of the Plateau de Pibran rests on a clay-limestone base, giving the Château d’Armailhac wines their characteristic refinement and elegance. The light gravelly soil of the Croupe de Béhéré is up to three metres deep. The vineyard is planted with traditional Médoc grape varieties (52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot) on rootstocks best suited to the soil (mostly Riparia-Gloire). The average age of the vineyard is 46 years, but nearly 20% of the total surface area dates back to 1890. Plantation density is high at 10,000 vines per hectare.

The winter was cold and dry, with an average minimum temperature of 0.5°C in January and a 12-day freeze in February. Rising temperatures in March got the vegetation cycle off to a relatively quick start, with budbreak beginning on 19 March. Very fine weather in April was followed by a warm May, the temperature rising to a record 34.6° C on 16 May. Flowering began on 25 May, a week earlier than the average. Rainfall in June, though a source of concern when the vine is in flower, was welcomed as a relief from the threat of drought. Late June and early July were cool and wet but sunshine returned from 14 July, causing a spurt in the vegetation cycle. Mid-veraison occurred on 13 August. After a few showers at the end of the month, the first three weeks of September were warm and sunny, enabling the grapes to ripen in good conditions. By the end of the month the grapes had acquired a dark, thick skin that enabled them to withstand poorer weather.

Attractive and darkly coloured, with a brickish tint. The nose opens slowly, suggesting aromas of black fruit and humus, with a touch of spice reminiscent of liquorice. The attack is round, revealing a refined tannic structure with no rough edges, and expressive, leather and cigar-box flavours. Some smoky notes emerge on the finish, with an attractive reminder of the fruit.