2003 d'Armailhac

[dstgolf]

Another win for 2003 as well as lesser Pauillac. This is right at its peak and surprisingly mature for its age. Classic cassis, lead pencil and leather with resolved tannins. Good length with smooth finsh pairing very well with duck breast with red wine/raspberry demi glace . Bricking on edges and over two hours it started to decline in the glass confirming its age. This is drinking very well now but I wouldn't sit too much longer on this one since I don't think there is anything to be gained by it. 90pts

Comparing the 2000 GPL from the other week I'd say this is more classic Pauillac and even though 3 years younger it is showing significantly older than its age. I'd take the GPL over this but both very enjoyable.

[JimHow]

Nice.
It does not surprise me that d'Armhaillac did well in 2003, it's right in that northern Medic sweet spot for the vintage.

[stefan]

I have long felt that D'Armaihac is the most consistent of the decent 5th growth Pauillacs. While never the best, it is also never the worst.

[Blanquito]

It's also a good bit cheaper than GPL these days and it drinks well younger than many.

I recently bought half bottles of the 05 d'Armailhac for $22 + commission, for instance.

[dstgolf]

No question d'Armailhac has been a perennial mid range Pauillac dependable and nothing flashy but classic. Right in there with Clerc Milon and cheaper than GPL. No question the greater growths will come out on top most of the time but not close when it comes to bang for your buck. I'd take 4-5:1 bottles over Comtesse and Baron let alone 12-20:1 Mouton/Lafite.

[AKR]

Plus who can't love this little guy?

[Blanquito]

And the label is so much better than the weird, old one as Château Mouton-Baronne-Philippe:

[AKR]

That old label was some kind of inside joke on Mouton/mutton/sheep.

Those labels, as well as the wine, got tired quickly.