Appellations

Palmer 2020

Margaux, Third Growth

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Tasting Notes

The 2020 Palmer is exceptional. Soft, seamless and ample, the Grand Vin caresses the palate with stunning depth and intensity. Super-ripe black cherry, licorice, cloves, menthol and chocolate meld together in the glass. As always, Palmer is made from blocks on gravelly/clay soils (as opposed to the more gravelly/sandy soils for Alter Ego) which gives the wines the breadth and creaminess to match its exotic personality. There is a restrained exuberance here that is so appealing.

Score: 98 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2060 Date: 23 February 2023

The 2020 Palmer was bottled in July with the lowest SO2 ever. It has an almost identical bouquet to the one I encountered from barrel last year, with black cherries and iodine, lovely floral scents, quintessentially Palmer from every angle. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannins, plush yet structured with an underlying sapidity that comes through towards the finish. This just doesn't put a foot out of place - fabulous.

Score: 97 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2030-2070 Date: 08 February 2023

The 2020 Palmer, which was matured in 65% new oak, possesses one of the most perfumed bouquets of the vintage with entrancing, seductive scents of black cherries, wild strawberry, iodine and crushed violets, all beautifully delineated (as per usual). The palate is medium-bodied with fine but quite firm tannins, lending this Palmer more backbone than presupposed. Blackberry, graphite and touches of liquorice develop with aeration that build towards an assertive, pencil box-tinged finish that nods towards Pauillac. This is a Palmer destined for long-term ageing, so readers should have a cool damp cellar handy. It is a serious Palmer, very different from the previous two vintages, not a mix of the two, but content in just being itself. 14.1% alcohol.

Score: 96 - 98 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2030-2070 Date: 01 May 2021

Still in barrel, intense and concentrated, this is sappy, fragrant, full of juicy raspberry and blueberry fruits, with violets, peonies, chocolate shavings and liquorice bud. Muscular but silky tannins, rippled and confident. Huge promise, well balanced and seductive. To be bottled July 2020. 55% of overall production in the 1st wine, with 13% press wine, a mix of barrels and large sized oak casks for ageing, 60% new oak. Harvest September 15 to 29.

Score: 97 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2028-2050 Date: 12 December 2021

Vivid colours, and the aromatics grab hold straight away. This is intense and concentrated, elegant, balanced and classical, all about the texture which is velvety and seductive with softly-grained tannins. Moves oh so slowly through the palate with dozens of layers to get hold of. The overall feel is precise, slow and seductive, with appellation and estate signature at every turn. Sappy, hawthorn freshness, rosemary, redcurrant, tobacco, cigar box and dark chocolate shavings on the finish. 3.77pH, 78IPT, 55% of overall production, with 13% press wine.

Score: 97 Jane Anson, Decanter.com Maturity: 2028 - 2044 Date: 19 May 2021

48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot. Cask sample. The Merlot provides the broad sweep and touch of sweetness on entry, the Cabernet the fine but punchy tannins that drive the wine. Lots of life and persistence, the tannins fine-grained and fresh. Clear potential. (JL)

Score: 18 Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Date: 09 May 2021