A classic, beautifully layered Pauillac that most likely ranks with some of the top vintages of this château, the 2025 Château D'Armailhac offers up loads of cassis, black raspberries, graphite, and spicy tobacco nuances on the nose. Based on 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot that will spend 18 months in 50% new French oak, it's full-bodied on the palate, with ripe, polished tannins, outstanding length, and a fresh, focused style that's hard to resist. It checks in at 13% alcohol with a pH of 3.7. I love its overall balance, and it should have a broad drinking window.

The 2025 Clerc Milon has turned out beautifully, offering up notes of dark berries, petals and orange zest, framed by a deft touch of new oak. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and concentrated, with lively acids and a chalky finish, it's a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and the rest Carmenère and Petit Verdot. (WK)

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2025 d'Armailhac comes bounding out with exuberant notes of black raspberries, fresh black currants, and mint tea, giving way to hints of pencil shavings and dried roses. The medium-bodied palate is very bright and elegantly styled with fine-grained tannins and a refreshing line, finishing with a minty lift. The blend is 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot.