Château d'Armailhac - Pauillac 1996

Wine Advocate

87 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/1999

This is a successful and seductive wine. The saturated ruby color 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.

Wine Spectator

87 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe1/31/1999

A good, sleek '96. Attractive aromas of raspberry and dried cherry. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins and a silky texture. Medium finish with a chalky, berry aftertaste. Best after 2000.

Wine Advocate

87-88 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe2/28/1998

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. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2015.

Wine Advocate

85-87 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/1997

D'Armailhac's 1996 possesses a dark ruby color, and a sweet, elegant, up-front nose of berry fruit and toasty oak. In the mouth, the wine is medium-bodied, pretty and stylish, but neither deep nor long. It will require early drinking, and should last for 10-12 years.