Château d'Armailhac 2017

Climatic conditions

After a relatively mild winter and lower-than-average rainfall, 2017 saw a frost episode on April 27 across the Bordeaux terroir. The year was marked by a particularly long period of drought, which did not really end until December.

Buoyed by above-average temperatures, the vine's vegetative cycle got off to a slightly earlier start at the end of March. Exceptional conditions in April and May brought vegetation forward by 10 days at flowering, for all grape varieties. After a very arRosé month of June, the summer was moderately sunny, but Sec accentuating the water deficit that has persisted since 2016. As a result, grape berries remained small, concentrating sugar and color.

Given the advanced vegetative cycle and dry summer, harvesting was particularly early this year. However, they were spread over four weeks between the three estates, which is exceptionally long. At Château d'Armailhac, harvesting began with Merlot on September 6 and ended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot on September 29. Run-off was completed on October 20, and blending was finalized in December.

The wines produced are rich, highly colored and possess fine tannic structures. They are fleshy and fresh, despite the sunny nature of the vintage. Due to the drought, quantities produced are below average.

Tasting notes

La robe is garnet-red with purple highlights.

The nose is full and varied, revealing aromas of fresh, juicy, creamy fruit. On aeration, blueberry notes combine with peppery, licorice and vanilla nuances of great intensity, giving the wine a gourmet touch.

The dense, fleshy attack carries through to the mid-palate, combining a tasty, harmonious impression of sweetness. The smooth, structured tannins reveal a nascent woodiness, giving the wine a good aromatic return.

The initial fruity freshness continues with a long, persistent finish.