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Armailhac 2016

Pauillac, Fifth Growth

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Tasting Notes

The 2016 d’Armailhac, which was bottled in May 2018, has an elegant bouquet that unfolds in the glass, offering blackberries, briar and a touch of cedar and mint. The palate is medium-bodied with dense tannin, grippy in the mouth, and quite voluminous, with perhaps more density on the solid, almost broad-shouldered finish compared to the Clerc-Milon. This fulfills all my expectations from my barrel tasting and is quite simply one of the best d’Armailhac wines ever made.

Score: 93

Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2022-2040 01 January 2019

The 2016 D'Armailhac is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot that was picked between 27 September and 14 October. The bouquet is very impressive, typical d'Armaihlac in terms of the opulence and flamboyance with lush black cherry and boysenberry fruit, a subtle floral note developing with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a crisp and tensile entry; there is immense purity here with some lovely blue fruit appearing on the finish. This is a d'Armailhac that is emboldened by unprecedented tannic structure that gives it real backbone and a sense of authority. Quite simply, this is one of the best wines of Château D'Armailhac that I have tasted, somehow not a million miles away from Grand Puy Lacoste in style.

Score: 92 - 94

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2021-2045 28 April 2017

The 2016 d'Armailhac is powerful and dense, just as it was from barrel. Readers will have to give the 2016 at least a few years in bottle, as the tannins are imposing. Dark red plum, licorice, spice, iron, game and scorched earth all give d'Armailhac its distinctive savory flavor profile that is quite appealing. Time in the glass brings out additional layers of nuance that complete the wine nicely.

Score: 92

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Maturity: 2023-2036 01 January 2019

Such richness through the palate, with deep crushed blackberry notes alongisde soft coffee bean. I get hints of Petit Mouton here. The Mouton stable measure their tannins in weight, not IPT, and this year comes in even higher than 2010, 4.5g compared to 4g. You don't feel it because the grain of the tannins is so fine, but it is clearly going to age well, without any dryness. Incredible balance, with a pH of 3.55 giving freshness to the alcohol, and making these wines really not very difficult to taste. 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, to be aged in 30% new oak.

Score: 93

Decanter, - Maturity: 2027-2040 20 April 2017

62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Expressive almost heady nose with creamy spicy fruits and mocha and some toasty notes. Robust plum and spices fruit, deep in the middle with a creamy texture, tasty and complete.

Score: 92 - 94

Albany Vintners, - 19 April 2017

Very dark, blackish purple. Perfumed and rather seductive. Pretty chunky and solid. Tannins more in evidence than in some (though admittedly this is my first Pauillac in a long run of wines). A long-distance runner. Very juicy. (17-)

Score: 17

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2027-2045 18 April 2017

Inviting, with notes of currant preserves and cherry sauce giving way to taut charcoal and singed alder accents. The chalky finish is a bit tight, but the stuffing is there. This has really good energy.

Score: 92 - 95

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 10 April 2017

This is really tannic and muscular for d’Armailhac. Perhaps the most powerful ever. Full and chewy yet balanced and polished. Very, very impressive. Greatest ever?

Score: 95 - 96

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 24 March 2017