198. Château d’Armailhac, Grand Cru Classé Pauillac, 1997

£??; 12.5%

Nice and dependable example of Cru Bordeaux. Well crafted, even if it wouldn’t set the world on fire. Deep garnet core, fading to a brown-garnet, medium-width rim. Fairly intense nose showing moderate maturity, but with a solid core of blackcurrant fruit. Fruit overlayed with sweet-spice aromas – particularly cinnamon and clove (quite distinct). Well structured, slightly grippy palate of fruit, again overlayed with oak-and-maturity sweet spice. Decent length. Enjoyable.