The 2016 d'Armailhac is a Bordeaux blend from the renowned Pauillac sub-region in Bordeaux, France. This vintage is composed of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, and is bottled with a cork closure. It has an alcohol content of 14.5%.
James Suckling awarded this wine a score of 95, describing it as "really driven," with notes of blackcurrants and fruit tea, complemented by hints of bark. He praised its full-bodied, firm structure and long, powerful finish, recommending to "try after 2023" (jamessuckling.com).
Wine Spectator scored the wine at 93, noting its "juicy red" profile with dark plum, fig, and boysenberry fruit. The review highlighted strong bramble and sweet tobacco notes, underpinned by a "cast-iron spine" that will benefit from some aging. It is best enjoyed from 2023 through 2038 (Wine Spectator).
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also gave it a score of 93, with Lisa Perrotti-Brown describing its "deep garnet-purple" color and "gregarious" aromas of crème de cassis, blackberry pie, and mulberries. The medium-bodied palate is characterized by firm, grainy tannins and a long, earthy finish (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate).
Jeff Leve from The Wine Cellar Insider echoed the 93 rating, mentioning its "juicy, earthy" character with a touch of fine dust on the tannins. He appreciated its refined and energetic nature, suggesting it will evolve beautifully over 20 years (TheWineCellarInsider.com).
Jeb Dunnuck rated the wine at 94, calling it a "thrilling bottle" with a "lovely perfume" of blackberry, plums, violets, graphite, and cedar pencil. He highlighted its classic, ripe, and layered profile, suggesting it has both immediate appeal and long-term aging potential of 20-25 years (jebdunnuck.com).
Decanter gave the highest score of 96, describing the wine as "loud, full, bright, shining, rich and confident." The review noted its firm, tannic structure with spiced edges of clove, aniseed, and licorice, praising its restraint and elegance. It is recommended to hold onto this wine for another 5-10 years (Decanter).
The Wine Independent, with a score of 95, noted the wine's change in aging process to 15 months with 35% new oak. Lisa Perrotti-Brown highlighted its deep garnet color and intense scents of black cherry compote, blueberry pie, and plum preserves, with Indian spices, violets, and licorice. The medium to full-bodied palate is marked by firm, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long with impressive purity (The Wine Independent).
Overall, the 2016 d'Armailhac is a well-regarded Bordeaux blend with strong aging potential and a complex flavor profile that will continue to develop over time.