Such a vibrant pink/purple rim to this, loud, full, bright, shining, rich and confident. Tannic and firm, full bodied with supple tannins that have spiced edges full of clove, aniseed and liquorice lacing the blackcurrant fruit. It's youthful still - the benefits of the magnum - with lots of tension but feels so well worked with structure and depth. I love the restraint on show, it's clearly powerful yet there is supreme elegance. Stylish, full of life and of further potential. Don't drink this yet, hold on to it for at least another 5-10 years.

In 2016 they started aging d’Armailhac for longer and it went from 12 to 15 months. Also, the new oak increased from about 15% to 35%. The 2016 is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. It has a deep garnet color and after a shake or two, it bursts with intense scents of black cherry compote, blueberry pie, and plum preserves, leading to suggestions of Indian spices, violets, and licorice. The medium to full-bodied palate is laden with dense, muscular black fruits, supported by firm, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long with impressive purity. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

A thrilling bottle of wine that readers should snatch up is the 2016 Château d’Armailhac. This deeply colored, medium to full-bodied, powerful Armailhac gives up a lovely perfume of blackberry and plums fruits, violets, graphite, cedar pencil, and earthy, herbal nuances. Classic, ripe, layered, and just a beautiful Pauillac any way you look at it, it has plenty of upfront sex appeal but is going to keep for 20-25 years as well. Bravo! The 2016 is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.

Juicy, earthy and with a touch of fine dust to the tannins, the wine has lift, the fruit is ripe, sweet and soft. Medium bodied, refined and energetic, give this 7-8 years in the cellar and enjoy it over the next 2 decades of life.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 D'Armailhac opens with gregarious crème de cassis, blackberry pie and mulberries scents with hints of chocolate box, roses and charcoal with a waft of dried sage. Medium-bodied, the palate has a rock-solid frame of firm, grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long and earthy. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

This juicy red sports dark plum, fig and boysenberry fruit backed by an equally strong wave of bramble and sweet tobacco notes. The cast-iron spine pins down the finish, so give this a little time to integrate fully. Best from 2023 through 2038. — JM