Palmer 2011

A hail storm at the end of June damaged 90% of the vineyard so this is a small yield at 21hl/ha - the lowest since 1961 (until 2018). The reduced crop translates into powerful cassis and rosemary spice flavours but the cooler weather in July and August means the fruit is more restrained in character than expected, and you see that here at 10 years on. It's fairly serious in style, not an exuberant vintage and I would suggest giving it another three or four years in bottle before it really reaches its drinking window. As it opens, it shows spiced plum and blueberry, touches of liquorice root and wisps of smoke - all of these things that indicate a fresher rather than a hugely solar vintage, and one that is going to age with elegance and finesse. One of the very few Palmers without Petit Verdot, but spice is still one of the dominant notes.

Score: 94

Jane Anson, Decanter.com Maturity: 2021 - 2040 19 February 2021

55% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon. 13% press wine. This year it was more a case of 'infusion' than extraction - to get the colour, fruit and structure without too much tannin. The free-run juice was very pure, the press wine creamy. Deep dark cherry colour. Again aromatic, less floral than the Alter Ego (which has all the Petit Verdot), graphite and dark, elegant fruit, not in the least leafy. Really mineral. Tannins are so polished and so fine though they coat the mouth with a very fine layer and add to the freshness. Cool and utterly long and clear. Tannins are very hard to describe because there is a dry finesse but also a creamy roundness that comes later in the mouth. No spicy exoticism in this vintage, plenty of classicism. (JH)

Score: 18 - 19

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2021-2035 16 April 2012

Chateau Palmer’s 2011 yields of a minuscule 20 hectoliters per hectare were caused by the overall drought conditions, the extreme heat at the end of June, and some problems during flowering. Only 55% of the crop made it into Palmer, and given the lowest yields since 1961, the final blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon possesses huge tannins, but they are remarkably velvety and sweet. This opaque purple-colored, dense, concentrated, full-bodied wine will need time to totally form its personality. The harvest, which occurred between September 10-24, produced a big, boisterous, concentrated wine that should age for 25-30 or more years. (92-94+ Points)

Score: 92 - 94

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2012-2042 27 April 2012

Shows an ample core of kirsch and bright cherry fruit that's very expressive, with flecks of white pepper, violet and tobacco. The racy acidity is well-embedded, and this has solid length, with a velvety edge in reserve that lets extra cassis and violet notes emerge. Should stretch out nicely during the rest of its élevage. Tasted non-blind.

Score: 92 - 95

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 11 April 2012

Palmer only made 20 hectoliters of wine a hectare. That must be the record for the smallest production in the vintage. Extraordinary concentration for the vintage with full body and rich velvety tannins yet it's fresh and intense. Really impressive and powerful. Wow. One of the wines of the vintage.

Score: 95 - 96

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 01 April 2012

The 2011 Palmer has a ripe sweet bouquet of black cherries, blueberry, a touch of iodine and crushed violets, flamboyant as usual. There is a hint of cough candy that develops with time. The palate is medium-bodied with a firm grip. There is a carapace of toasty tannins underneath which lies a core of dense black fruit, although it does not have the same degree of finesse on the finish as say, Rauzan Segla. This is quite a serious Margaux, one that probably deserves longer ageing than others to allow those brusque, rigid tannins to soften. Tasted April 2012.

Score: 91 - 93

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 30 April 2012