The Wine Advocate | RP 90
Published: Jun 30, 2017

Tasted at BI Wine & Spirits' 10-Years-On tasting, the 2007 D'Armailhac has a very attractive bouquet with ample black fruit laced with violets and blueberry, quite Margaux-like in style. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannin, a crisp line of acidity, commendable structure and a lovely graphite-tinged finish that lingers long in the mouth. This appears to have improved in recent years, and it comes thoroughly recommended. Tasted February 2017. 
Drink Date: 2017 - 2029

Winemaker

Climatic conditions
From budbreak through ripening to harvest, meticulous care was lavished on the 2007 vintage in order to bring the grapes to maturity in good condition.
After a relatively wet winter which allowed water reserves to accumulate, budbreak began in early April. Early vegetation growth was encouraged by exceptionally dry and warm weather (16.4 mm of rain and 16 C, compared with an average of 11.7 C).
Flowering took place for all three varieties around 26 May, fifteen days earlier than the average, presaging an early harvest, as in 1989 and 2003.
Relatively cool weather during the summer slowed the development of the crop, but an exceptionally hot and dry September enabled the grapes to reach full phenological maturity.
Harvesting began on 26 September with the Merlot and ended on 11 October with the Cabernet Sauvignon.
The grapes were in good condition, with thick skins rich in tannins and anthocyans.

Harvest: 26 September to 11 October
Varietal mix: Cabernet Sauvignon 54%, Merlot 23%, Cabernet Franc 22%, Petit Verdot 1%

Tasting notes
The wine has a lovely, deep garnet red colour with brilliant highlights and a nose that reveals an attractive freshness, delicate and richly scented fruit and powerful tannins. Red fruit aromas burst from the glass, mingling with floral notes and a touch of clove, while elegant and discreet oaking brings some roasted coffee notes.
On the palate, Chateau d'Armailhac 2007 displays a velvet texture, with opulent Cabernet Sauvignon and very ripe blackcurrant flavours complemented by notes of liquorice and vanilla.
The silky, well-rounded but tightly knit tannins express the essence of the Pauillac terroir, sustaining an elegantly long finish.