| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Margaux |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Traditionally the finest wine of the Médoc after the first growths. The talented wine-maker is Thomas Duroux who always produces a pure, smooth and elegant wine with (for the Médoc) a high proportion of Merlot in the blend. Since 2014 the vineyard has been certified biodynamic and yields have been very low. There is also a fine second wine produced called Alter Ego de Palmer. The vineyard has an average age of 45 years.
In 2024 the yield was only 22 hl/ha (down from 32 last year). The blend is 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot.
The 2024 Palmer is shaping up beautifully and stands out as one of the wines of the vintage in the Médoc. Wafting from the glass with aromas of crème de cassis, plums, cigar wrapper and iris, it's medium to full-bodied, velvety and enveloping, with good depth at the core, sweet structuring tannins and a long, precise finish. Uniting charm with seriousness, this blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot is the quintessential Palmer. Yields after sorting worked out at 22 hectoliters per hectare.
The 2024 Palmer is aged in 50% new oak for the first few months before it is transferred into 3,000-liter foudres. There is quite a stylistic difference between the Palmer and the Alter Ego on the nose: this is more sensual and displays more fruit concentration. Blackberry, blueberry, slate and light graphite scents unfold in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied and less voluptuous than recent vintages with an uncommon sense of symmetry, finely chiselled tannins and impressive tension on the slightly peppery finish. Excellent. 2030 - 2058
Deep garnet-purple colored. Bursts with bold notes of fresh black currants, red and black plums, and mulberries, opening out to reveal an undercurrent of black pepper, iron ore, chalk dust, and fragrant earth. The light to medium-bodied palate is filled with vibrant black and red berry layers and spicy sparks, framed by firm, chalky tannins and great tension, finishing long and earthy.
59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot. 3.7 pH.
Medium intensity, inky colour and some delicious sappy fruits. Stretched out, sinewy, lean muscles, charcoal, slate, peony, gunsmoke, hugely engaging texture with salinity, and a mouthwatering finish. Easy to recommend, love it. Harvest 25 September to 10 October, 3.7ph, first year ageing in barrels, second in larger oak casks.
The 2024 Palmer is wonderfully vivid and expressive. Strong Cabernet Sauvignon inflections make a strong first impression. Blue/purplish fruit, gravel, lavender, incense, licorice and dried herbs all jump from the glass. I imagine the 2024 will drink well on release, which is uncharacteristic for young Palmer. Readers will find a gorgeous wine with tons of character and pedigree to burn. Palmer remains one of the most distinctive wines in all of Bordeaux.
There is a delicate perfume to this and, as with all of the vintage’s successes, the profile is very much that of the property rather than the vintage: floral and delicate, blue fruit, violets, gentle and velvety tannins. It is elegant and lifted – there is no force to this; it is all about an ethereal lift - a delicate and extremely classy rendition of Palmer that embraces the freshness and clarity of the vintage in a way that very few other wines have achieved.
Excellent depth and good purity of fruit, showing lots of blackcurrants, dark minerals and violet extract. Full-bodied, this has plenty of fine-grained tannins and a hallmark Palmer tannin structure and framework. Quite tight and juicy at the end with a lasting finish and lots of volume. 13.2% alcohol.
