The estate
Château Palmer is a star in the Margaux appellation, on the left bank of the Bordeaux region. Having built its legendary story on vintages that have become mythical, Château Palmer continues to write its history through fine wines that are renowned for their quality and their signature style.
The vineyard
Benefiting from an exceptional terroir located in the immediate vicinity of the Gironde estuary, Château Palmer comprises an unusual grape composition in the Médoc, with a strong emphasis on the Merlot variety, which appears alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.
The vintage
Although the mild winter favoured an early vineyard development, the estate's teams increased their vigilance throughout the very wet spring season. Flowering ended in mid-June in good conditions. The mild summer weather, recorded only after mid-July, was ideal for a slow and gradual ripening of the grapes. The grapes harvested showcase a high quality, with ripe tannins sustained by a pleasant acidity, guaranteeing a promising ageing potential.
The blend
Merlot (47%)
Cabernet Sauvignon (53%).
The tasting
Colour
This rich and dense wine showcases a beautiful ruby colour with purple highlights.
Nose
The nose harmoniously blends power and complexity. The bouquet gradually reveals notes of pencil lead, black pepper, plum and eucalyptus.
Palate
Château Palmer 2000 possesses a bold mouthfeel from the outset. The palate develops racy tannins, coated by a full and delicious fruitiness. The whole is sustained by an exceptional freshness. The finish is particularly flavoursome and persistent.
Cellaring
Enjoy today, this Château Palmer 2000 can wait in the cellar for several decades to reveal its full aromatic palette.
Tasted at the Château Palmer vertical in London, the 2000 Château Palmer was closed for a number of years, but it appears to be finally opening. Deep in colour, there remains a slight broodiness on the nose, although it loses its inhibitions and develops potent blackberry, strawberry and mint aromas, perhaps just a smudge of camphor. It is unashamedly rich on the entry: intense and vibrant with layers of black cherry and cassis fruit pierced by a fine line of acidity. This millennial tightens everything up towards the, finish whereupon it reverts to something much more classic in style, long and tensile. It does not quite occupy the same class as the 2005 or the imperial 2010, but it certainly has long-term potential. My advice? Give it another 4-5 years in the cellar. Tasted May 2015.