WTN: 2010 d'Armailhac

So here I was at the college Christmas party tonight, getting ready to leave, when I spot a familiar label on a nearby table. So I went over to see who was drinking such a thing, and discovered a colleague that I did not previously know was serious wine lover. He was kind enough to offer me a glass, which under the circumstances I had to drink out of plastic, but I saved a bit to take home and put in a proper glass. What can I say but that 2010 Bordeaux rocks!

Chateau d’Armhailhac, Pauillac 2010
Opaque ruby red. Extraordinary nose, deep and dense, but subtle, with rich, liqueur-like dried black berry, sweet red cherry, and a touch of cassis, all with good tone, abundant sweet mint with hints of cured tobacco and suede, all with generous graphite and smokey mineral; restrained and precise and yet with a sense of opulence, quite unique. Identical notes on the palate, driven by tart, succulent yet opulent red fruits, with a phenomenal sense of subtle depth, and a long, succulent, satisfying finish. The texture of this wine, and its incredibly sense of precision, is captivating. As with the other higher end 2010s at this stage, relatively restrained and yet already offered so much! 30 strong years ahead, and will last beyond that, given its exquisite sense of balance and poise. Absolutely enthralling! 4.5 Stars [12/15/16]

[David M. Bueker]

I have heard great reports on 2010 (yours included) but struggle with the stratospheric pricing. Wines that normally sell for $30 are double that. The percentage increases only go higher as the normal prices go up. $50 wines go for $125 and $75 wines go for $200.

There are deals to be had though. The best 2010 I've had so far is the Latour Martillac, which I got for $45, and that is by far the best deal in red Bordeaux I have ever gotten my hands on.

Of course, I came into Bordeaux post-2000 vintage, so my sense of how much the wines "ought" to be is skewed.

[David M. Bueker]

Yeah. I am jaded, even though I started with 1995, which was a big price jump year.

My first Bordeaux vintage was 1982. That was a big sticker shock vintage for wine enthusiasts at the time. $75 for Mouton? Unthinkable!

-Paul W.

I remember back in grad school I saw the 1997 Haut Brion for $100, and I thought, "would like to, but I just can't justify paying that much for a 1st Growth from an off vintage." Current price >$300.

The first claret vintages I purchased were 1934 and 1945. Mouton-R from the former and Latour from the latter. Both cost £2/5/0 per bottle, then about $ 6.30 . Super-seconds could be had for under £1 ($2.80).