Château Palmer 2023

Deep dark color, noble on the nose, dark berries, tobacco, herbs, Christmas spices; voluminous attack that then firms up, well structured, gripping tannins, crisp fruit, plenty of tension, becoming increasingly light-footed toward the finish, showing breed and length. Impressive.

What a Palmer in 2023! Crazy aromatics, full and bright, packed with intense scents of pink and purple flowers, damson fruit — clearly ripe with no doubt, but no overt heat — with some graphite and liquorice on the nose too and the dried‑herb Cabernet notes. Rich, layered and voluptuous, one you could call opulent, full of flavour and really fruit‑forward. Not as overtly juicy as some, more harmonious and balanced; the tannins are perfectly integrated with the fruit and acidity, with the added plushness that Merlot brings to the blend. Powered and structured, but less serious than some, with great energy, generosity and charm in terms of texture, yet it’s focused too with long length. Something very captivating about this. Lots of cool classicism on the finish with a salty, mineral, oyster‑shell undercurrent. 55% new oak for the first year in barrel, then one year in 30 hl foudre. pH 3.75. 13% press wine. 32 hl/ha yield.

The 2023 Palmer was bottled in July 2026, the same time as Alter Ego. As you might expect, this is a little more control and precision on the nose by comparison, hints of peony and violet pinpointing its Margaux origin. Superb delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with silky smooth tannins. Just a bit more backbone at the moment compared to its First Growth neighbor tasted directly before, a little more graphite comes through toward the finish. This Palmer coats the mouth and seems to be one of the most mineral-driven within the Margaux appellation. Excellent.

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. Delicate mandarin zest, ripe heart cherry, fresh blackberry, delicate hint of liquorice, still somewhat reserved. Complex, powerful, red cherry, ripe, firm tannins, racy acidity, currant touch on the finish, fine herbal savouriness in the aftertaste, lingers, a full-bodied food companion.

50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 32 hl/ha. What an incredible perfume: freshly picked alpine blueberry, seductive iris scent and graphite. On the second approach, noble cassis spice, sour cherry juice and chocolate pastilles. On the densely interwoven palate with a velvety texture, a dancing, vibrant breed, intoxicating abundance of extract and a well-toned body. In the never-ending, energy-charged finish, the Margaux explodes: blue berries, elderberry nectar, deep, dark minerality and fine-grained astringency.

More reserved and understated than the Alter Ego on the first nose, with a touch of smoky reduction, but it doesn’t take long to understand that this Palmer is full of coiled energy and lift. A ton of graphite, crushed rocks, crushed roses and peonies comes in waves of aromatics across the palate, along with clearly defined and sculpted blue and red fruits. There is spice too, and a sense of momentum. 32 hl/ha yield, 55% new oak for ageing during the first year; the wine then moves into 3,000 L oak casks for the second year.

Score: 95–97. Like a benevolent fairy-tale king, the nose is dressed only in purple. Everything is about distinction and delicacy, with aromas of wild berries and freshly cut flowers. The wine’s graceful yet insistent presence on the palate is truly unique. Tension, balance, and power, all wrapped in a silky package, for a sensual and floral wine.

Not the most highly regarded of the Bordeaux vintages, but a fine stylistic exercise built on finesse at château Palmer. It almost has a Pinot-like character—crisp, very fresh—evoking morning dew, peony, lilac and iris. The palate isn’t huge in volume; it unfolds with straightness, rather slender and streamlined, held by a lovely acidic spine. Delicacy takes precedence, supporting a beautifully drawn wine—digestible, lively, very subtle and charming.

Violets, tobacco, blackberries, cigar box, spice, and black cherries form the perfume. On the palate, the wine is silky, lush, polished, and fresh. There is length, purity, velvety tannins, and a racy, energetic, fruit-packed finish, with an exotic touch of cardamom on the back end that adds even more edge. The almost seamless finish resonates for 50 seconds. The wine blends 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot. 14% ABV, 3.75 pH. The harvest took place from September 11 to October 5. Waiting those extra few days in September made the difference in the wine this year. Yields are a scant 32 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2029–2065. 97–99 pts.

96-98. Barrel Sample. This powerful wine has solid black tannins and rich juicy black fruits. It is dense and concentrated with a dark structure and great potential. It is organic and biodynamic.

This is youthfully compact, with a winey core of black cherry, blackberry and boysenberry preserves that rides along the juicy and nicely inlaid acidity, while dried violet, rose hip, sandalwood and black tea notes weave around. Shows a rather serious tug of iron at the end, adding grip and depth that sets this apart from the pack. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2027 through 2040. 11,500 cases made.