{"title":"Tuesday 10\/20 Masterclass: 4x 100pt Chateau Palmer Margaux Vertical","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"chateau-palmer-margaux-grand-cru-2018-bordeaux-france-copy","title":"Chateau Palmer Alter Ego 2017 (Bordeaux, France) - [JS 94] [DM 93] [JD 92] [VM 92] [WA 92] [WE 92]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChateau Palmer earned the title of Troisième Grand Cru Classé in the 1855 classification but the Chateau began to make a name for itself in 1814, when Colonel Charles Palmer bought it from Marie de Gascq, investing considerable sums in it. Currently, the Domaine is jointly owned by the Sichel and Mähler-Besse families, who continue to enhance its reputation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vineyard covers 55 hectares, planted with 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot. The vineyards have been managed entirely according to biodynamic principles since 2014. The wines age for 20 to 22 months in oak barrels, 50% of which are new.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRenowned for the finesse and elegance of its wines, since 1998 the estate has produced a second wine, Palmer's Alter Ego, , drawn from the same terroirs but vinified separately to yield an earlier-drinking wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVine growth got off to an ideal start, until late frosts cast uncertainty over the vintage. Fortunately, the river protected us and excellent weather conditions followed. Among the vines, the character of each plot served as a guide. The result was keenly precise wines with bold, unashamed character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a significant lack of rainfall and a mild winter, the vines awoke early from their winter slumber. Starting in late March, the buds began opening amidst optimal growing conditions. Then, during the nights of April 27 and 28, the Bordeaux region was struck by a wave of frost. Thankfully, the river protected the majority of Château Palmer’s vineyards. Finally, late May brought fine weather which provided the perfect climate for flowering and the promise of an excellent harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs summer began, it brought several rainy periods which prolonged the vegetative growth of the vines. The first phase of ripening took place on schedule in mid-August. The rains of September accelerated the maturation of the skins and harvest began early on September 20. By September 29, the harvest was complete. From the moment the vinification began, it became clear that the conditions of the vintage, coupled with our vineyard management methods that respected the terroir, would provide an exceptionally clear expression of each plot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, the 2017 vintage at Château Palmer is precise, without excess. The wines exhibit the elegant balance of our most classic vintages. Their velvety tannins and aromatic depth are promises of splendid ageing potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMerlot 53%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCabernet Sauvignon 41%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePetit Verdot 6%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This is a delicious and savory wine with beautiful, ripe and creamy tannins, as well as chocolate and plum character. Full body. The flavors turn to wet earth and mushrooms with some leather. A blend of 53% merlot, 41% cabernet sauvignon and 6% petit verdot. Lovely finish. Try after 2021.\" (Dec 2019)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Decanter Magazine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"I love the bright perky fruit that we have here.They had to be careful with extraction to retain this delicacy but have been successful with it. Not enormously concentrated, at least compared to the first wine, but it has lovely classicism, with fresh fruit and some gourmet swirls of cinnamon and chocolate, 3.75pH, 25% new oak. Had some bigger sized oak casks also, testing for the first time on just 60hl. A yield of 38hl\/ha because the Alter Ego plots frosted more than Palmer (final count 55% Palmer, 45% Alter Ego).\" - Jane Anson (Nov 2019)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The second wine of the estate, the 2017 Palmer Alter Ego is a similar blend to the Grand Vin and is 53% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. It has beautiful ripeness and density as well as ample black fruits, licorice, and toasted spice aromas and flavors. With good volume, a big, concentrated mid-palate, and a good finish, it’s slightly more elegant and streamlined than the Palmer and will be drinkable at an earlier age.\" (Apr 2018)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2017 Alter Ego is pliant, textured and supple. Expressive floral notes add inner perfume and freshness to a core of dark red berry fruit, mocha, new leather, spice and menthol. A wine of striking textural richness, Alter Ago also remains light on its feet and wonderfully nuanced. The 13% alcohol, low by present-day standards, adds to a feeling of freshness. (Drink between 2022-2032)\" - Antonio Galloni (Mar 2020)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Composed of 53% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Alter Ego de Palmer is deep garnet-purple in color and springs from the glass with vivacious black raspberries, black cherries and crushed blackcurrants notes plus hints of Sichuan pepper, menthol, pencil lead and cardamom. Medium-bodied, the palate is charged with energy, featuring expressive, bright black fruits and firm, fine-grained tannins, finishing long and lively.\" - LPB (Mar 2020)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Wine Enthusiast:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Attractive black-currant aromas of this wine are followed on the palate by fresh fruits, lit by acidity and bright black-currant and berry flavors. The tannins are soft and open, meaning this wine will develop relatively quickly. Drink from 2022. - Roger Voss (Mar 2020)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MISA IMPORTS","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":67631345074541,"sku":null,"price":149.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/ChateauPalmerAlterEgodePalmer_2019.webp?v=1791404585"},{"product_id":"chateau-palmer-alter-ego-2021-bordeaux-france-js-93-vm-93-dm-93-jd-92","title":"Chateau Palmer Alter Ego 2021 (Bordeaux, France) - [WE 95] [DM 94] [JS 93] [VM 93] [JD 92]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChateau Palmer earned the title of Troisième Grand Cru Classé in the 1855 classification but the Chateau began to make a name for itself in 1814, when Colonel Charles Palmer bought it from Marie de Gascq, investing considerable sums in it. Currently, the Domaine is jointly owned by the Sichel and Mähler-Besse families, who continue to enhance its reputation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vineyard covers 55 hectares, planted with 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot. The vineyards have been managed entirely according to biodynamic principles since 2014. The wines age for 20 to 22 months in oak barrels, 50% of which are new.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRenowned for the finesse and elegance of its wines, since 1998 the estate has produced a second wine, Palmer's Alter Ego, , drawn from the same terroirs but vinified separately to yield an earlier-drinking wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile the summer put the vines on a path to greater growth, a sunny September enabled us to pick grapes bursting with promise. 2021 is a vintage in which the talents of our team made the difference, demonstrating the passion and cohesion of a collective effort.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile January heralded a cold winter, February promised kinder temperatures and nourishing rains. The return to dry weather fostered consistent budding across the vines. The spring frosts from April and May slowed growth. Flowering eventually began on May 28, in a warm, dry climate. The fruit set accelerated, and a handful of our most earliest ripening Merlots were affected by coulure. Rainfall was followed by a sharp rise in temperatures in June, leading to explosive vegetative growth. Shortly after a torrential storm on June 19, the arrival of mildew required meticulous monitoring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA half-hearted summer until August 15 exacerbated vine growth, sparking fears of low numbers of grapes. In late August and early September, four weeks of dry weather thankfully dispelled a lot of the water and the ripening process resumed as normal, just in time for the harvest. Threatened by botrytis, the Merlot harvest started on September 24 while the Cabernets finished on October 15. Despite more modest yields than expected, the harvest was healthy with ripe grapes, and the tasting revealed a remarkably fine tannic texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe assemblages were finalized in early December, reflecting an ever-clearer perspective of the Château Palmer plots. This 2021 batch offers exceptionally fulfilled wines, rooted in moderation and harmony, harking back to the vintages of the previous century.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMerlot 32%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCabernet Sauvignon 60%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePetit Verdot 8%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Wine Enthusiast:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Lush berry aromas and layers of wood give this second-label wine its rich character. It has black-pepper spice and solid tannins along with structured, opulent black fruits. Drink from 2027.\" - Roger Voss (Jul 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Decanter Mgazine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Quite a rich, dark heady nose, full of blackcurrants, bramble leaf, raspberry and some dried herbs with floral touches too. Smooth and supple, you can feel the concentration in the mouth but the texture is so silky and fresh too. Bursting with energy and brightness - the fruit has a ripe touch to it - plummy and blackcurrant but the acidity is great giving a real lean and direct frame to the wine and driving it from start to finish. Polished and very enjoyable still with lots of flavour. A real cool element to the dark fruit - it’s not rich and chewy and exuberant and plush, it’s streamlined but full of juicy brightness and then a slick wet slate touch to the finish. Perfumed all the way through with cola, blueberry and liquorice touches as well. Serious and layered. A successful second wine to match the gorgeous grand vin.\" - Georgina Hindle (Dec 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This bright wine has very pretty fruit, with al dente blackcurrants as well as minerals and clove-like spices. Medium body, crunchy and minerally. Vivid with some iodine too. Drinkable already but better in a couple of years.\" (Apr 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2021 Alter Ego is a bright, savory wine driven by Cabernet Sauvignon from light, sandy soils. Intensely aromatic, the Alter Ego is a bit clenched today, but that should not be an issue in a few years' time. Dark red plum, mocha, new leather, spice and cedar build in the glass, lifted by bright acids and a kick of blood orange that adds vibrancy. (Drink between 2026-2041)\" - Antonio Galloni (Feb 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2021 Château Palmer Alter Ego is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot that was aged 12 months in barrel followed by 12 months in foudre. It's another smoking good second wine from this château that has a deep ruby\/purple hue to go with perfumed red, blue, and black fruits as well as an incredibly floral character in its leafy herb and graphite aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, supple, elegant, and silky on the palate, it's an impressive Margaux to drink over the coming 15 years.\" (Apr 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MISA IMPORTS","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":67631396684141,"sku":null,"price":129.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/ChateauPalmerAlterEgodePalmer_2019_902252d5-6337-4ba4-9056-af38801f0f40.webp?v=1791405203"},{"product_id":"chateau-palmer-margaux-grand-cru-2018-bordeaux-france-copy-1","title":"Chateau Palmer 2020 (Margaux, Bordeaux, France) - [DM 99] [WE 98] [JS 98] [JL 98] [TWI 97+] [WA 97] [JD 97] [VM 95+]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChateau Palmer earned the title of Troisième Grand Cru Classé in the 1855 classification but the Chateau began to make a name for itself in 1814, when Colonel Charles Palmer bought it from Marie de Gascq, investing considerable sums in it. Currently, the Domaine is jointly owned by the Sichel and Mähler-Besse families, who continue to enhance its reputation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vineyard covers 55 hectares, planted with 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot. The vineyards have been managed entirely according to biodynamic principles since 2014. The wines age for 20 to 22 months in oak barrels, 50% of which are new.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRenowned for the finesse and elegance of its wines, since 1998 the estate has produced a second wine, Palmer's Alter Ego, , drawn from the same terroirs but vinified separately to yield an earlier-drinking wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt was as though time stood still over the course of this very special year, forcing us to focus on the essentials, tending our vines and listening to our environment. In the wake of an extraordinary 2018 and a 2019 rooted in pure elegance, 2020 concludes an absolutely exceptional trilogy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the end of February, the onset of budding almost two weeks ahead of schedule heralded the launch of a very early vintage. March brought heavy rainfall, followed by an equally damp spring with mild temperatures – conditions all too suited to the spread of mildew. Throughout April and May, the vineyard required exceptional care and attention to keep us on course for a healthy harvest. In mid-May, a return to dry weather set the stage for an ideal flowering period. In June, the summer weather arrived and settled in to stay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy late July, the berries had begun to change color under the bright and constant sun. Although the heatwaves of August subjected the vines to a good deal of water stress, intense thunderstorms brought welcome respite. The Merlot grapes gorged themselves and Cabernets retained their small size, while the subsequent return of dry weather drove the tannic concentration. Harvest began on September 15, with the Merlot picked in the cool of dawn and the Cabernet gathered as the rain beat down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the vat room, the fermentations proceeded smoothly and the assemblage was carried out over two sessions in mid-November, mostly during the run-off phase. Underpinned by the year’s favorable climate, the 2020 vintage is on par with 2018 in terms of structure, boasting sunny Merlots, refined and powerful Cabernets, and a terroir of exceptional clarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlend: 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eHarvest: From 15th to 29th September 2020\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e99 Points - Decanter Magazine:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"\u003cspan\u003eA wine that impressed all tasters for its transcendental depth and precision. Of course, with its ripe fruit and many lovely aromas, including floral and wet stone, Palmer impresses not only through remarkable concentration, but also via refined structure and exceptional length. Call it a modern classic, whose grip improved on the second day of the tasting – tighter perhaps, but in a good way, as the tannins are suave and the fruit ripe, with powerful weight underlying it all. The 2020 also comes across as more precise than the 2006 vintage, tasted alongside. Potential for 100 points here, once tertiary complexity arrives in the next decade. Biodynamic.\" - Panos Kakaviatos (Feb 2026)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e98 Points - Wine Enthusiast:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"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 (Apr 2023)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Great aromas of blackcurrants, black truffles, blueberries, lead pencil and hints of cedar. Full-bodied and powerful with fantastic tannin backbone giving it great length and power. Muscular. Toned. Flexing. This needs time. Best after 2028.\" (Mar 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"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.\" (Mar 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97+ Points - The Wine Independent:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"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.\" - LPB (Mar 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"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 (Apr 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"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.\" (Mar 2023)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e95+ Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2020 Palmer has a relatively straightforward nose, more austere than its peers—not in a negative way, just reserved and a little leafier. The palate is overtly sweet, almost candied on the entry, with a very concentrated orange zest and marmalade sorbet-like quality. This is perhaps missing a little Margaux DNA on the finish, but it is still very attractive. Returning to it after ten minutes, there is structure and persistence. It is interesting how, tasted blind, the \u003cem\u003eGrand\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e and \u003cem\u003eDeuxième Vin \u003c\/em\u003eare so close together, but I am certain this will pull away with bottle age. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.\" - Neal Martin (Nov 2024)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MISA IMPORTS","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":67631398093165,"sku":null,"price":389.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/media_f0897fcb-7e37-41ef-8f7e-222964824304.webp?v=1791409825"},{"product_id":"chateau-palmer-margaux-grand-cru-2010-bordeaux-france-jd-98-dm-97-vm-96","title":"Chateau Palmer Margaux Grand Cru 2010 (Bordeaux, France) - [JD 98] [JS 98] [DM 98] [WE 97] [WA 96+] [VM 96] [WS 96]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChateau Palmer earned the title of Troisième Grand Cru Classé in the 1855 classification but the Chateau began to make a name for itself in 1814, when Colonel Charles Palmer bought it from Marie de Gascq, investing considerable sums in it. Currently, the Domaine is jointly owned by the Sichel and Mähler-Besse families, who continue to enhance its reputation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vineyard covers 55 hectares, planted with 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot. The vineyards have been managed entirely according to biodynamic principles since 2014. The wines age for 20 to 22 months in oak barrels, 50% of which are new.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRenowned for the finesse and elegance of its wines, since 1998 the estate has produced a second wine, Palmer's Alter Ego, , drawn from the same terroirs but vinified separately to yield an earlier-drinking wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe find ourselves intimidated by this monumental wine. Rarely have the grapes given us so much pleasure and delight. Complexity, depth, and an enchanting mouthfeel are the main characteristics of this immense vintage. The year 2010 will go down in history…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2010 is a heavenly vintage. In terms of quality, it benefited from exceptionally favorable weather. After a late start to the growing season that protected the vines from spring frosts, budding took place evenly in April. By late May, the quality potential also proved to be excellent. Fertilization was greatly hampered by a cold, wet period in June that caused an uneven spread of flowering and led to a significant amount of coulure, dashing hopes of a large crop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJuly was particularly warm, eliminating any heterogeneity in the vines after flowering, while the initial ripening occurred quickly. This beautiful weather lasted without interruption until the end of the harvest. The 2010 vintage was also characterized by a lack of water, which continued throughout the summer. The result was very small berries with surprisingly rich aromas and the retention of a certain acidity. Some welcome rain in the second week of September accelerated the ripening of the skins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn these favorable conditions, we were able to take our time and pick each plot at peak ripeness. The harvest was the longest in Château Palmer’s recent history. The precise choice of ripeness and finely controlled extractions enabled us to tame the strength and power of this vintage. 2010 is like a finely cut diamond that, over time, will fully express the full delicacy of Château Palmer’s terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eMerlot 54%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCabernet Sauvignon 40%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePetit Verdot 6%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2010 Château Palmer offers a beautiful nose (it reminds me of the 2022, surprisingly) with darker black and blue fruits, violets, saddle leather, and incense notes, as well as a concentrated, rich, full-bodied style on the palate. It stays focused and pure, with beautiful tannins, a complex, layered texture, and a ripe, sexy profile that’s already impossible to resist. I might give the nod to the 2009 here, but this is a riveting Palmer that has so much to love. Drink bottles any time over the coming 3-4 decades. Drink 2025-2065. (Drink between 2025-2065)\" (Jun 2025)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A purity of fruit here with plum and dark chocolate undertones. Spices and treacle tart as well. Full body, with ultra-fine tannins and a long, long finish. Very fine indeed. Fit, fruity and reserved. Superb. Try in 2020.\" (Nov 2013)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e98 Points - Decanter Magazine: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is delightful and full of pleasurable, powerful and precisely carved fruits yet muscular and broad-framed, I have tasted this wine many times and once again I am reminded of how lucky I am that this is the case. Damson, slate, rich earthy loam, menthol and crushed rocks, just bursting with vivacity, life, freshness and enjoyment. Love it; shows exactly why we love Palmer. 2020-2050.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 Points \u0026amp; Cellar Selection - Wine Enthusiast:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"While outwardly this wine is generous and opulent with great juicy sweetness, the core is structured and powerful. The wine is concentrated and complex, with dark tannins and a brooding, dense texture. This is a wine with a long-lived future.\" - Roger Voss (May 2013)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96+ Points - Wine Advocate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Palmer rolls out of the glass with warm cassis, baked plums and boysenberries scents plus hints of candied violets, star anise and dried bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is generously fruited, with a firm backbone of grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long.\" - LPB (Mar 2020)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e96 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2010 Palmer has an outgoing, intense and multifaceted bouquet with black cherries, boysenberry, crushed violets and hints of cassis - your quintessential Margaux turned up to eleven. The palate is medium-bodied with very supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Headier than its Margaux peers, it builds in the mouth with a complex, marine-tinged finish with cracked black pepper lingering on the aftertaste. This is an outstanding Palmer but it needs more time in bottle. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the BI Wines \u0026amp; Spirits 10-Year On tasting. (Drink between 2026-2070)\" - Neal Martin (Apr 2020)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 Points - Wine Spectator:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This is riveting, with terrific tarry grip coursing underneath layers of smoldering bay leaf, warm plum confiture, freshly brewed espresso, dark cassis and well-steeped black tea. The charcoal and tobacco backdrop is gorgeous and should move forward through the core of fruit over time. Be patient though, as the structure is ironclad. This will really be electric once mature. Best from 2017 through 2040. 8,500 cases made.\" - JM (Mar 2013)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MISA IMPORTS","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":67631426240877,"sku":null,"price":549.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/products\/ChateauPalmerMargauxGrandCru.png?v=1625270656"},{"product_id":"chateau-palmer-2016-margaux-bordeaux-france","title":"Chateau Palmer 2016 (Margaux, Bordeaux, France) - [JD 100] [JL 100] [VM 100] [WE 100] [JA 99] [WA 98+] [JS 98] [DM 98] [WP 98]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChateau Palmer earned the title of Troisième Grand Cru Classé in the 1855 classification but the Chateau began to make a name for itself in 1814, when Colonel Charles Palmer bought it from Marie de Gascq, investing considerable sums in it. Currently, the Domaine is jointly owned by the Sichel and Mähler-Besse families, who continue to enhance its reputation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vineyard covers 55 hectares, planted with 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot. The vineyards have been managed entirely according to biodynamic principles since 2014. The wines age for 20 to 22 months in oak barrels, 50% of which are new.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRenowned for the finesse and elegance of its wines, since 1998 the estate has produced a second wine, Palmer's Alter Ego, , drawn from the same terroirs but vinified separately to yield an earlier-drinking wine.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite a mild winter, a rainy spring, a moderately warm summer, and a late harvest, the quality of the grapes proved to be nothing less than extraordinary. Bringing out such ripe, powerful tannins is the cellar team’s raison d’être. In the end, an exquisite harmony was struck between structure and silk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWinter proved very mild and the vines were a week ahead of schedule. However, their growth was restrained due to the mild, wet weather. These conditions are extremely favorable for the development of mildew, and we had 130 millimeters of rainfall in just one month! We had never experienced such pressure since the estate shifted to its biodynamic approach. However, thanks to the winegrowers’ hard work and unwavering commitment, we managed to rise to the challenge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLuckily, flowering took place in optimum conditions during the week of June 6. Summer finally arrived with moderate temperatures and no rain. This led to a fear of potential setbacks on the most sensitive plots. Fortunately, some welcome rain arrived, much to the relief of the whole team. The harvest, which only began on October 3, was one of the latest in the estate's history. Although modest in quantity, the aromatic intensity of the grapes was extraordinary. The tannins were powerful and perfectly ripe, which led us to opt for a more intense extraction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the first months of aging, the equilibrium of our two wines differed significantly from that of our previous great vintages: an entirely customary degree of alcohol revealed an exceptionally tannic structure. It seems the velvety texture of Château Palmer wines is more than ever our hallmark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlend: 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Technical Director Thomas Duroux and his team made one of the most brilliant wines of the 2016 vintage. Palmer is simply exceptional. Rich and dramatically sweeping in the glass, the 2016 is breathtaking. All the elements simply fall into place in a wine of mesmerizing beauty. The counterpoint of dark, sumptuous fruit and floral notes makes for an utterly compelling Palmer that will take its place among the estate's finest vintages. Dark cherry, lavender, spice and mocha are some of the many notes that build into a deep, substantial finish that is truly unforgettable. In a word: magnificent! 2026-2066.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The finest vintage I’ve ever tasted from this estate, surpassing the 2009 and 2010, the 2016 Château Palmer is a blend of 47% each of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Petit Verdot, all of which was brought up in 65% new French oak. This magical effort reveals a saturated purple color as well as a huge nose of crème de cassis, graphite, crushed rocks, and spring flowers, and it develops beautifully with time in the glass. Full-bodied, deep, incredibly concentrated and powerful, it nevertheless just glides over the palate with flawless purity and balance, present, ripe tannins, and a finish that just won’t quit. This is Bordeaux at its most regal and classic. It will be drinkable with just 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for half a century.\" (Feb 2019)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Still showing the color of a barrel sample, the wine is full bodied, silky, polished, fresh, vibrant and pure. The wine tastes as if you ran into the vineyard and grabbed a handful of grapes off the vine, and you ate them just moments before they were crushed. The fruit has so much purity, energy and sensuality, it is impossible not to go back to the glass for another sniff, swirl and sip. Another interesting point is the addition of a gentle chalky minerality in the finish, adding a beautiful layer to the complexity. This is easily one of the great vintages of Chateau Palmer and will age for decades with no effort.\" (Sep 2019)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e100 Points - Wine Enthusiast:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Powerful tannins and hugely rich fruit balance together in this superb wine. The velvet texture belies the power behind the concentrated, ripe black-fruit flavor, with vibrant acidity giving ample lift. The wine's structure will ensure aging for many years. Drink from 2024.\" - Roger Voss (May 2024)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e99 Points - Jane Anson's Inside Bordeaux:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Last tried at the 10 years on tasting back in January of this year, and once again this confirms that the 2016 Palmer showcases the power and concentration of the vintage, remaining concentrated and muscular, in need of a few more years to fully realise its evident potential. With 30 minutes in the glass, a slow unroll reveals layers of cassis, bilberry, cigar box, graphite, peony flowers, liquorice root, cocoa bean, espresso and gunsmoke. Love how the nuanced florality of the Margaux appellation is hidden underneath the architecture. The estate was being fully farmed biodynamically at this point, but still two years away from certification. Thomas Duroux director, 60% new oak for ageing.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e98+ Points - Wine Advocate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2016 Palmer is a blend of 47% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot. Opaque garnet-purple colored, it slowly glides out of the glass with compelling notes of blueberry compote, warm cassis and kirsch with emerging hints of violets, cigar box, black tea, sandalwood and Sichuan pepper. Medium to full-bodied, wonderfully rich, concentrated and packed with latent energy, the palate literally grows in the mouth, revealing layer upon layer of black, blue and red fruits and tons of floral sparks, framed by super ripe, incredibly fine-grained tannins and finishing with epic length. It’s a wine that makes you wanna drape yourself languidly over a chaise lounge, glass of Palmer in hand, sighing with deep satisfaction, 'This is so wonderfully Palmer.'\" - LPB (Nov 2018)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - James Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Such attractive fruit and alluring ripeness that it draws you in from the get-go. The discreet power here is delivered with a very astute touch. Assorted dark-berry aromas, as well as red plums, abound on the nose. The richness and depth in the mouth is stunning. The tannins are super polished and layered and they draw pristine dark fruit flavors deep into the finish in effortless mode. This is a star of the vintage. A blend of 47 per cent merlot, 47 per cent cabernet sauvignon and six per cent petit verdot. Try from 2024.\" (Jan 2019)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Decanter Magazine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The grand vin represents 65% of production in 2016, the highest ever. It has many similarities in style with the 2001 and 1986, being a classically styled wine full of soft slate, fern, liquorice and cassis, but from the modern era where you can achieve so much more precision. This is a wine that makes you smile from the first sip, and keeps on getting better, caressing you gently across the palate. There is never any let up through the mid-palate, and the biodynamics that have been practised here for the past few years are clearly paying off. Elegant, utterly silky and precise, the structure is just effortless with reasonably fresh alcohols that are the result of late ripening. A perfect example of the appellation, it has the florality, density and slow tannic pace that means it takes you right along with it as the flavours build. The blend is 47% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot. Intellectual without being overbearing, and built to age. This is impressive stuff.\" - Jane Anson (Apr 2017)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Palate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Deep garnet in color, with a touch of purple, the 2016 Palmer takes a minute or two to unleash a powerful nose of black cherry compote, prunes, crème de cassis, and chocolate-covered cherries, followed by hints of licorice, crushed rocks, candied violets, and black truffles. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is dense, concentrated and totally seductive, featuring super-ripe, velvety tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long with loads of floral and earthy sparks. The blend is 47% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6% Petit Verdot. Drinking Window: 2025-2060.\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MISA IMPORTS","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":67631453995373,"sku":null,"price":449.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/media_f17c152c-2688-4dea-a7db-cfc013d510eb.webp?v=1791409890"},{"product_id":"chateau-palmer-margaux-grand-cru-2011-bordeaux-france-wa-96-ws-93-vm-91","title":"Chateau Palmer Margaux Grand Cru 2011 (Bordeaux, France) - [WA 96] [DM 94] [WS 93]","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Winery:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChateau Palmer earned the title of Troisième Grand Cru Classé in the 1855 classification but the Chateau began to make a name for itself in 1814, when Colonel Charles Palmer bought it from Marie de Gascq, investing considerable sums in it. Currently, the Domaine is jointly owned by the Sichel and Mähler-Besse families, who continue to enhance its reputation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vineyard covers 55 hectares, planted with 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot. The vineyards have been managed entirely according to biodynamic principles since 2014. The wines age for 20 to 22 months in oak barrels, 50% of which are new.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRenowned for the finesse and elegance of its wines, since 1998 the estate has produced a second wine, Palmer's Alter Ego, , drawn from the same terroirs but vinified separately to yield an earlier-drinking wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout this Wine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA half-century after the legendary 1961 vintage, this year’s wine stood out for its extremely low yields, the result of hail, and, in June, extreme heat. The concentrated result was both beautiful and unexpected, which should herald excellent aging potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn an exceptionally hot, dry climate, the vines began budding three weeks ahead of their usual growth cycle calendar. The first flowers illuminated the vineyard on May 10. The absence of precipitation accentuated water stress among the vines, and we noticed a few cases of coulure in our older plots of Merlot. On June 4, the berries were already formed when a violent hailstorm hit the vineyard and destroyed half the crop. The vines were reeling, having sustained damage to both its body and its fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter grinding to a halt for ten days, it made up for lost time in what had become a dry, sunny context, putting out multiple leaves and buds. The summer season began under the scorching sun. June 26 and 27 proved to be the two hottest days of the year, peaking at 38.8°C (101.8°F) in the shade. Young grapes suffered in these searing conditions. Some of them, particularly on the most exposed plots, charred and fell to the ground. This “scalding” generated a further reduction in quality for the vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMid-July, the climate became more regular, temperatures dropped, and the vines recovered. The ripening took place in positive conditions. Light rain delayed the start of the harvest by ten days, but it finally began on September 7 under a bright sun and in a serene climate. Having reached maturity despite a very early growth cycle, the Merlots and Cabernets displayed a bold acidity and an interesting concentration of precise tannins, guaranteeing this vintages incredible potential for development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eMerlot 55%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCabernet Sauvignon 45%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRatings \u0026amp; Reviews\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e96 Points - Wine Advocate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The opaque blue\/purple-colored 2011 Palmer reveals a stunning bouquet of licorice, truffles, camphor, spring flowers, black raspberries and black currants. One of the superstars of the vintage, this brilliant 2011 possesses superb concentration and purity, medium to full body, and remarkable length of close to a minute. A tour de force in winemaking, the Palmer team merits accolades for achieving this level of quality in a more challenging vintage than either 2009 or 2010. The “wine of the vintage” in Margaux, tiny yields of 20 hectoliters per hectare, a final blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and a severe selection (only 55% of the production made it into Palmer) are the reasons for this success.\" - Robert Parker (Apr 2014)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Decanter Magazine:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A multi-faceted wine with no Petit Verdot in the blend given the concentration of the Merlot (55%), which is unusually dominant, and Cabernet Sauvignon (45%) from the smallest harvest before 2018, since 1961. This has a wonderfully evocative nose, perfumed with violets, plums, cherries and blueberries. On the palate there is bright acidity, still so juicy and alive with a cool blue fruit touch and menthol edges. Precise yet still structured - you're reminded that this is a serious wine, and at this 10 year mark, there is still such life and energy that it will go on and on. Delicious.\" - Georgina Hindle (Jul 2021)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e93 Points - Wine Spectator: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Offers a range of charcoal, bay and dark licorice notes out front, backed by an ample core of steeped blackberry and black currant fruit. The charcoal-studded finish has serious grip and pleasantly layered flesh. Should unwind in the cellar, but needs time. Trust it. Best from 2017 through 2030.\" - James Molesworth (Mar 2014)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e91 Points - Vinous Media:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The 2011 Palmer has a delineated, focused, razor-sharp bouquet with blackberry and bilberry scents, demonstrated more mineralité than its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, moderate depth, straightlaced and uncomplicated with satisfying freshness and grip on the finish. Not memorable, but certainly well-crafted and might improve with continued bottle age. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting. (Drink between 2022-2032)\" - Neal Martin (Apr 2022)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MISA IMPORTS","offers":[{"title":"750 mL","offer_id":67631478833517,"sku":null,"price":399.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0481\/8940\/7391\/files\/media_d193a32f-eea8-44e1-a1f8-9be0cd475090.webp?v=1791409766"}],"url":"https:\/\/artisan.wine\/collections\/tuesday-10-20-masterclass-4x-100pt-chateau-palmer-margaux-vertical.oembed","provider":"Artisan W\u0026S","version":"1.0","type":"link"}