Slightly dullish deep red. Aromatic nose offers currant, tobacco leaf and herbs lifted by a peppery quality. Juicy and light on its feet, with brisk acidity and a repeating peppery quality giving precision and energy to the perfumed mid-palate. Very crisp, delineated wine that can be enjoyed soon or held.

Tasted at BI Wine & Spirits' 10-Years-On tasting, the 2007 D'Armailhac has a very attractive bouquet with ample black fruit laced with violets and blueberry, quite Margaux-like in style. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannin, a crisp line of acidity, commendable structure and a lovely graphite-tinged finish that lingers long in the mouth. This appears to have improved in recent years, and it comes thoroughly recommended. Tasted February 2017.

Mid bricky red. Undergrowth and warm bricks, gently inviting, just a touch meaty. Smooth though still with a slight firmness. Harmonious if rather slight on the palate. Easy to drink and enjoy now. (JH)