Armailhac 1996

Nearly as seductive as the 1995, the 1996 exhibits a saturated ruby color that is followed by sweet, roasted herb and black currant aromas with lush toasty oak notes. A blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 25% Cabernet Franc, this medium-weight, elegant yet richly fruity wine possesses enough tannin to last two decades, but it will be one 1996 Medoc that will be drinkable at an early age. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2018. Last tasted, 3/01.

The 1996 d'Armailhac is fully mature on the nose with dark plum, briary, cloves and quite a strong violet aroma. The palate is slightly aggressive on the entry with chalky tannin. The acidity is quite pronounced here, firm in the mouth, masculine for d'Armailhac with less flesh than other vintages, although there is decent freshness and spiciness towards the finish. You could drink this now but I might just afford it another 3-4 years to show its mettle. Tasted July 2016. 2018 - 2032

This wine showed exceptionally well. The dense ruby/purple colored 1996 reveals evolved aromas of licorice, Asian spices, cassis, and subtle toasty oak. A blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 30% Merlot, this medium-weight wine possesses a surprising lusciousness, atypical for this vintage. It provides a sweet midpalate, and a velvety-textured, long, lush finish. It is a hedonistic, user-friendly Pauillac that should age nicely. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2015. Last tasted, 3/98.

The dense ruby/purple-colored 1996 reveals evolved aromas of licorice, Asian spices, cassis, and subtle toasty oak. A blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 30% Merlot, this medium-weight wine possesses a surprising lusciousness, atypical for this vintage. It provides a sweet mid-palate, and a velvety-textured, long, lush finish. It is a hedonistic, user-friendly Pauillac that should age nicely.