AN ALL TIME GREAT FROM PALMER
2010 Chateau Palmer – Margaux – Bordeaux – $1175 per bottle – 1 bottle box.
“One of the great years of Bordeaux now at 14 years old and showing why this is such an unusual vintage in terms of the depth of structure and muscular concentration that was achieved (in fact I am upping the drinking window from the last time I tasted this, as there is such a pulse of life and grip that shows no signs of going anywhere). The initial layers are starting to be peeled back, but this retains primary black and blue fruits that are still full of flesh, baked earth, tons of liquorice and black chocolate with a grippy tannic structure, fresh acidities and a serious attitude. Brilliant stuff, that is clearly going to power on for decades. Decanter.”
98 points Wine Advocate
” The 2010 Palmer is one of the superstars of the vintage, a blend of 54% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot, which is just slightly different than what I indicated two years ago. The alcohol level hit 14.5%, and the wine comes across like a more stacked-and-packed version of their 2000. It is tannic and backward, but has a sensational black/purple color and a gorgeous nose of camphor, barbecue smoke, blackberry and cassis. Full-bodied, with oodles of glycerin but a relatively healthy pH, this wine has a precision and freshness that belie its lofty alcohol and extravagant concentration. This is a sensationally rich, full-throttle Palmer that could well end up being one of the all-time great wines made at this estate. It needs a good 7-10 years of cellaring and should keep for 50 or more years. (RP) 98+”
2012 Chateau Palmer – Margaux – Bordeaux – $920 per bottle. 1 bottle box
97 points James Suckling
“This is mind-blowing with complex and superb aromas of dried flowers, blackcurrants and raspberries. Full-bodied, yet polished and velvety with lots of tension and intensity. Layers of fruit and character. Finishes with pure fruit, hazelnuts and minerals.”95 points Jeb Dunnuck
“The 2012 Palmer showed beautifully, with the elegance and purity this cuvée is known for front and center. Offering lots of crème de cassis, licorice, smoked earth and a hint of spring flowers, it has medium to full-bodied richness, a balanced, graceful texture, plenty of tannin, and a great finish. This is one of those wines that grows on you with time in the glass and is going to evolve gracefully on its purity and balance.
95 points Wine Advocate
“The 2012 Palmer is already offering demonstrative drinking at age 10, bursting with aromas of cherries, blackberries, violets and spices, framed by a lavish application of creamy new oak. Full-bodied, ample and enveloping, it’s fleshy and sensual, with a deep and layered core of fruit that’s discreetly underpinned by succulent acids and sweet, powdery tannins. Concentrated, broad and persistent, this is one of the most successful wines of the vintage, as well as one of the most dramatic. Thomas Duroux is crafting more integrated, less overtly oaky wines at Palmer today, but this 2012 is nonetheless a terrific effort.”
2010 Chateau Angludet – Margaux – Bordeaux – $159.95 per bottle. In stock
Owned by the Sichel family of Chateau Palmer since 1961, Angludet is situated at the heart of the appellation of Margaux and surrounded by Cru Classé properties. It is the responsibility of Benjamin Sichel, whose constant quest for quality is reflected in his policy of drastically limiting the yield of each vine and finding the natural balance of the entire vineyard, the vineyard of Château Angludet covers a surface area of 32 hectares, all within Margaux and planted with 46 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 41 percent Merlot and 13 percent Petit Verdot.
