Château d'Armailhac
シャトー・ダルマイヤック
Mouton Rothschild's neighbor — 1855 5th Growth with rare old-vine Cabernet Franc character
Château d'Armailhac is a 1855 Fifth Growth estate in Pauillac owned by the Baroness Philippine de Rothschild family — the same family behind Château Mouton Rothschild. Established in 1680 by the Armailhacq family and classified in 1855, it was acquired by Baron Philippe de Rothschild in 1933. The estate underwent a series of name changes — Château Mouton Baron Philippe (1934–1975), then Château Mouton Baronne Philippe (1975–1988) — before Baroness Philippine restored the historic name Château d'Armailhac in 1989. The 76-hectare vineyard sits on four gravel banks adjacent to Mouton Rothschild, with vines averaging 50 years in age and some plots dating to 1890. A signature high proportion of Cabernet Franc (around 8%) gives the wine a distinctive freshness and mid-palate cohesion. In 2021, new gravity-fed cellars were completed allowing parcel-by-parcel vinification with 50 temperature-controlled vats. Director Lucie Lauilhé leads the estate with a philosophy of deep terroir respect and precise, detail-oriented winemaking.
www.chateau-darmailhac.com/ ↗Cuvées
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Who Is This For?
Bordeaux lovers seeking a more accessible entry to Pauillac classified growths — structured enough for long aging but approachable within 8–10 years; great for collectors who want Rothschild pedigree without First Growth prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Château d'Armailhac related to Mouton Rothschild?
- Yes. Both estates are owned by Baroness Philippine de Rothschild's family (Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA). The vineyard is literally adjacent to Mouton Rothschild in Pauillac.
- Why did the château have so many name changes?
- Baron Philippe renamed it Mouton Baron Philippe after acquiring it in 1933, then changed it to Mouton Baronne Philippe in 1975 to honor his wife Pauline. His daughter Philippine restored the original historic name d'Armailhac in 1989.
- What makes d'Armailhac different from other Pauillac wines?
- A higher proportion of Cabernet Franc (around 8%, with 60-year average vine age) gives d'Armailhac a distinctive fresh, floral mid-palate thread that sets it apart from the more Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant style of most Pauillac estates.
- When is the best time to drink Château d'Armailhac?
- Most vintages drink best at 8–15 years of age. Great years (e.g., 2016, 2019) can hold well beyond 2040. Young vintages benefit from 2–3 hours of decanting.
- What food pairs best with Château d'Armailhac?
- Classic pairings include roast lamb, braised beef, duck confit, venison, and aged hard cheeses like Comté. The structured tannins call for rich, protein-forward dishes.