99 DE / 98 VM / 98 WE / 98 WCI / 97+ WI / 97 WA / 97 JS / 97 JD / 97 JA / 96 FS / 18+ JR
Glorious finesse, depth, density and length. An amazing wine that deserves to be a first growth. Such vivid expression of bright fruit and floral aromatics, seamless integration of the 60% new oak and a palate with racy texture that approaches perfection. The tannins need several years to settle and that time will increase the wine's complexity as it approaches its optimal drinking window – and it has many years ahead. - Panos Kakaviatos, Decanter
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. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
Massively rich already with density and opulence, this powerful wine is half-and-half Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The dark tannins presage aging for many years. Drink from 2027. - Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast
Violets, lilacs, and roses covet their spot in the perfume before you find all of its black, and red cherries, black currants, blackberries, cigar wrapper, and earthy notes. While the perfume is intoxicating, it is on the palate where the magic happens due to its silky, sexy-textures, and layers of pure, sweet, ripe, delicate, yet concentrated layers of fruit. The tannins are the text-book description of refined, leaving you with a seamless finish showcasing its purity, and sensuality for over 50 seconds. I have a sneaking suspicion that with time, my score is going to rise, as it feels like there is a lot more going on here that is still holding in reserve. Drink from 2027-2065.-Jeff Leve, Wine Cellar Insider
Aromas of raspberries, cassis and cherries mingle with hints of violets, raw cocoa and hints of truffle in a perfumed bouquet. The 2020 Palmer is a full-bodied, layered and seamless wine that's deep and concentrated, with a vibrant core of beautifully pure and perfumed fruit, lively acids and ultra-refined tannins. This suave but authoritative Palmer is one of the high points of the vintage. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate
The 2020 Palmer, composed of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot, is deep garnet-purple in color. It is completely shut down on the nose to begin, needing a lot of patient coaxing to bring out scents of preserved cherries, creme de cassis, blueberry compote, and cedar chest, followed by wafts of lilacs, clove oil, and fertile loam. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers mouth-coating black fruit preserves layers with a rock-solid, grainy texture and just enough freshness, finishing long with loads of savory and earthy nuances. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent
A typical Palmer showing finesse alongside strength. I love the blackberry, plum, chocolate and cedar character. It’s very long and beautiful. The velvety, textured tannins are impressive. - James Suckling
The flagship 2020 Château Palmer checks in as 48% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Petit Verdot that's aged one year in 50-60% new barrels before moving to foudre. It's another ripe, sexy, yet incredibly pure wine from this team offering loads of black and blue fruits, some iris flower, spice, iron, and obvious mineral nuances, full-bodied richness, velvety tannins, and a great finish. It's easily one of the most opulent, sexiest wines from the Médoc, and while it's already just about impossible to resist, it deserves 7-8 years of bottle age and will evolve for 40+ years. - Jeb Dunnuck
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. - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
Dark ruby garnet, purple reflections, deep core, delicate rim brightening. Fine noble wood touch, some cedar and graphite, black berries, nuances of juniper, a touch of bergamot. Juicy, fine cassis nuances, fresh black cherries, integrated tannins, freshly structured, mineral, cool style, long lasting, fine savouriness on the finish, has maturity and certain ageing potential, an elegant food companion.-Peter Moser, Falstaff
The Merlot provides the broad sweep and touch of sweetness on entry, the Cabernet the fine but punchy tannins that drive the wine. Lots of life and persistence, the tannins fine-grained and fresh. Clear potential.-James Lawther MW, JancisRobinson
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