D'Armailhac - 2021

The wine is a glittering ruby red. The refined and elegant nose displays redcurrant and raspberry aromas combined with brioche and violet notes. On the attack, juicy, succulent fruit emerges from beneath rounded, well-integrated tannins. The palate, nicely balanced by a fresh, mineral structure, reveals delicate chocolatey flavours enfolded in a smooth, silky texture. The harmonious finish lingers on crisp, slightly sappy fruit.

Wine Advocate 92: The 2021 d'Armailhac has turned out beautifully, bursting with attractive aromas of minty cassis and blackberries mingled with notions of pencil shavings and sweet pipe tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, ample and polished, it's supple and seamless, with a fleshy core of fruit and a licorice-inflected finish. En primeur, I compared this to a modern-day version of the estate's immensely charming 1999, and anyone who remembers the 1999 will find that the 2021 delivers just as wide a drinking window.

James Suckling 92: This fresh and vivid red has minerals and lead pencil with currants and berries. Some dried flowers. Medium body. Fine tannins and a lively finish. Crispy from bright acidity. Needs one or two years to soften slightly.

Decanter 94: Smells heady, black bramble fruit on the nose, fragrant black cherries, a dusting of clove and cinnamon spice, orange peel - slightly bitter but juicy with a hint of toast too. Quite tight and lean, direct and focussed, this is streamlined - you can feel the cool blue fruit and slightly tense tannin structure, seamless but all held in one line in the centre of the wine. A little strict, but pure, precise and clean. There is lovely clarity to the expression, a silky texture with mouthwatering acidity. Tastes fresh and lively and so clean with that moreish salty and menthol tang that lingers on the tongue. Sleek with a really long finish. Really intense flavours that coat the mouth - cinnamon, clove, redcurrants, cherries, blueberries and blackcurrants. Cola and liquorice lingers on. Sleek and well delivered.