-
97
/ 100
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate -
97
/ 100
Wine Enthusiast -
97
/ 100
James Suckling -
97
/ 100
Vinous -
96
/ 100
Decanter
Red
Classification
Merlot Blend
Variety
2021
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
France
Country
Bordeaux, Margaux
Region
13.0%
Alcohol %
15 Plus Years
Cellaring
Scores
97 / 100"The late-ripening, low-yielding vintage has delivered a beautifully balanced wine of striking intensity in the 2021 Palmer. Unwinding in the glass with complex aromas of blackberries, exotic spices, licorice, violets and burning embers, it's full-bodied, layered and enveloping, with a deep, concentrated core of fruit, ripe tannins and lively acids, concluding with a long, expansive finish. If recent vintages of Palmer have set new records in their power and richness, the 2021 marks a return to the classical proportions of the 1990s—with all the additional concentration and precision that Thomas Douroux's pioneering viticulture and thoughtful winemaking have brought to the equation at this address in the interim. The grand vin is a blend of 56% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot, picked between September 24 and October 15. Tasted twice."
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
97 / 100
"Less exuberance but Palmer identity intact, the old-vine Merlot to the fore. Dense and full with a generosity of fruit. Silky texture on attack, the tannins present but controlled. Slightly dry finish with a bit of chew. Should improve further with élevage. (JL)"
- Wine Enthusiast
97 / 100
"There’s brightness and clarity to this young wine, with blackcurrants, violets, lavender and blackberries. Medium body with a sold core of fruit and a long, fresh finish. Fine tannins. Bright acidity. 56% merlot, 3% petit verdot and 41% cabernet sauvignon. From biodynamically grown grapes."
- James Suckling
97 / 100
"The 2021 Palmer is one of the truly epic wines of the year. It's not the 2018, but it is in that vein, albeit at 13% in alcohol. There's tremendous richness and sheer extract here. Blackberry jam, chocolate, smoke, licorice, lavender and mocha notes possess remarkable primary intensity, more like a young must than a wine with a few months of age. Readers will find a Palmer that offers a compelling mix of opulence and energy. (AG)"
- Vinous
96 / 100
"Perfumed chocolate cherries with bramble tones on the nose. This has a rich and round mouthfeel, clear structure on show but also with life and lift - a sweet, bright cherry element given definition by strict but fine tannins. You have a really beautiful, delicate opening, quite wide and airy then the depth arrives on the mid palate, with chalky tannins and red fruits coming into play before the spiced liquorice enters on the finish. The texture is striking, velvet-like with layers and a sublime verticality of freshness and minty aeration. It may be less glamourous and overtly plush and seductive than bigger previous vintages but I love the classicism on show - a focus, precision and sophistication. Superb winemaking from Thomas Duroux who successfully navigated the difficult vintage conditions in 2021. (GH)"
- Decanter
Tasting Notes
2021 was not an especially warm vintage compared to preceding vintages, but delivered overall fresh and elegant wines of high quality. In keeping with their house style, Chateau Palmer 2021 has a perfurmed nose, full of generous fruit such as blackberries and raspberries, licorice, crushed violet and lavender. The body is full and concentrated framed by velvety tannins. With complex and rich flavours of ripe plum, black, blue and red berries, cedar and baking spice, this wine is a stunning example of the elegant and complete wines of Margaux.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity