2020 Palmer (Margaux)

Depth, and nuance, with striking liqourice, crayon, cigar box and dark chocolate from the first moment. Combines grip and freshness, understated power, serious yet vivid character to its blue and black fruits, with mint leaf, spiced red pepper, pomegrante, incense and tobacco leaf. Precise, slow and seductive, packed with signature Palmer identity. 3.77ph, 55% of overall production, with 13% press wine. Thomas Duroux director. 97 points

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. 97 points

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. 98 points

Tasted blind. Black core with crimson rim. Dark and ripe with a hint of damsons. Ripe black plum and gently floral, plus lead pencil. Complex aroma. Rich, deep, chewy, generous and powerful with finesse on the long finish. 17.5+ points