{"product_id":"chateau-darmailhac-aop-pauillac-5eme-cru-classe-1996","title":"Château d'Armailhac AOP Pauillac 5ème Cru Classé 1996","description":"\u003ch4\u003eVineyard and winemaking\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe official 1996 blend is 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and 21% Cabernet Franc. Château d’Armailhac’s Pauillac vineyards lie on gravel over clay-limestone subsoils near the Gironde, with a notable proportion of old vines; the mix gives Cabernet’s structure a softer Merlot centre and fragrant Cabernet Franc detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grapes were harvested between 30 September and 8 October and vinified by parcel in temperature-controlled vats. Maturation in French oak followed, traditionally with a restrained proportion of new barrels, allowing the vintage’s blackcurrant, cedar and graphite character to develop without excessive wood influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTasting notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMedium-deep garnet with brick highlights at the rim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eNose\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackcurrant, redcurrant and black cherry are layered with cedar, graphite and tobacco leaf. Nutmeg, mint and a quiet earthy note complete a refined, mature Pauillac bouquet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003ePalate\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMedium to full-bodied, with fine-grained tannins carrying currant fruit, liquorice and savoury spice. The palate remains fresh and harmonious, finishing long with cedar, dried herbs and a mineral edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFood pairing\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe with roast saddle of lamb, beef fillet with bone-marrow sauce, venison and juniper, or a cep and chestnut Wellington. Its mature structure also suits an aged Cheddar or firm Cantal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBackground story\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChâteau d’Armailhac was classified as a Fifth Growth in 1855 and takes its name from the Armailhacq family, who shaped the estate over several generations. Baron Philippe de Rothschild acquired it in 1933; it remains under Rothschild family stewardship beside Mouton Rothschild.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 1996 received 91 points from Robert Parker and 90 points from James Suckling. It is now a mature bottle, so stand it upright before opening, decant carefully from sediment and assess its response to air in the glass. Serve at around 16–18°C.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Château d'Armailhac","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54853350818174,"sku":"01ARMAILHAC96","price":116.4,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0036\/1984\/8252\/files\/chateau-darmailhac-aop-pauillac-1996-600x960.png?v=1791384373","url":"https:\/\/sommelierschoice.co.uk\/products\/chateau-darmailhac-aop-pauillac-5eme-cru-classe-1996","provider":"Sommelier's Choice","version":"1.0","type":"link"}