2000 Chateau d'Armailhac 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac

Full ruby-red. Aromas of blackcurrant, smoke and roasted, nutty oak. Concentrated and sweet but in the process of shutting down. Impressively dark, primary flavors of cassis, violet and bitter chocolate supported by sound acids. A rich but slightly medicinal wine that is no doubt better than it's showing today.

A slight downgrade from my original score, this wine is quite evolved, displaying ripe plum, black currant, and chocolate notes as well as hints of cedar and espresso. Soft, round, and close to full maturity, overall it is a medium-bodied wine to drink now and over the next decade or more.

The 2000 d’Armailhac offers brambly red berry fruit mixed with cedar and mint on a nose that is gentle but persuasive, nicely defined and open. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins that frame the iron-tinged red fruit. This is not amazingly complex compared to recent vintages, but it is harmonious and displays the DNA of a Pauillac. It just fades a little toward the finish, and there is perhaps a touch of brettanomyces. Bottles are drinking perfectly now. Charming and ready to go.