Château d'Armailhac 1996

Decanter Magazine

Incredible aromatics, sweet and sour red cherries, raspberries, runny caramel and cola - just wonderful mature Claret aromas. So much power still on the palate, a beautiful rich texture, full and juicy with smooth tannins and excellent layering that goes both vertical and horizontal filling the entire mouth with fruit forwardness alongside hints of coffee, tobacco and eucalyptus. Seductive yet still direct with polished tannins and a sleek overall frame. Refined power on show with a graphite touch at the end bringing you back to textbook Pauillac. A joy to drink right now. From magnum.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

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.

La Revue du Vin de France

Jane Anson - Inside Bordeaux

The Wine Independent