Smells heady and hedonistic, a mix of dark ripe bramble fruits, exotic spices and medicinal herbs with liquorice, clove and a soft floral violet scent. Refined, elegant and so finessed on the palate, juicy with high acidity that is quickly countered by a richness of flavour. Such classic Claret markers, driving, deep, round and expansive with a touch of sweetness and overall delectability. I love the purity of the expression, it's not shouting - so quietly confident with detail and precision all the way through. Supremely harmonious with an underlying spice aspect and fresh ending. Maybe still a bit too young, given the 1996 at this point, but I love it. From magnum. (Drink between 2025-2045)

This has really picked up a lot of complexity and weight over the past few years. Now, you find a wine packed with cassis, blackberries, cedar, and tobacco. Medium/full-bodied, refined, soft, lush, and inviting on the palate, with creamy tannins that come in on the back end of the currant-filled finish. This is a good time to start opening your bottles. Drink from 2023-2040.

A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2009 d’Armailhac has a deep garnet color, with a touch of brick. It comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant notes of cherry pie, blueberry preserves, and blackcurrant pastilles, leading to suggestions of vanilla pod, dark chocolate, cinnamon toast, and lilacs. The medium to full-bodied palate is jam-packed with youthful, expressive red and black fruits, supported by velvety tannins, and finishing with fantastic length.

60% Cabernet Sauvignon 24% Merlot 14% Cabernet Franc 2% Petit Verdot. Deep ruby red in color. Definitely a wine with great concentration and is super chewy on the palate. I get notes of red and black fruits dark chocolate coffee and baking spices. Good length and medium grained tannins.

This has density structure and drive offering seriously dark baker's chocolate plum currant and fig flavors all wound up tightly by singed cedar tar and dark tapenade notes with a tight mineral-driven finish. Needs a little time to unwind. Best from 2013 through 2023.