Château Palmer, 2024

"The 2024 Palmer is aged in 50% new oak for the first few months before it is transferred into 3,000-liter foudres. There is quite a stylistic difference between the Palmer and the Alter Ego on the nose: this is more sensual and displays more fruit concentration. Blackberry, blueberry, slate and light graphite scents unfold in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied and less voluptuous than recent vintages with an uncommon sense of symmetry, finely chiselled tannins and impressive tension on the slightly peppery finish. Excellent."

"The 2024 Palmer is wonderfully vivid and expressive. Strong Cabernet Sauvignon inflections make a strong first impression. Blue/purplish fruit, gravel, lavender, incense, licorice and dried herbs all jump from the glass. I imagine the 2024 will drink well on release, which is uncharacteristic for young Palmer. Readers will find a gorgeous wine with tons of character and pedigree to burn. Palmer remains one of the most distinctive wines in all of Bordeaux."

"Dark fragrance on the nose, dark chocolate, violets, slate, smoke and liquorice. Rich and round in the mouth, fleshy and vibrant - so much energy and life here. Bright, almost sweet but high toned too, sleek but so delicate. You get the flavour, the texture, lattice like, so delicately constructed but this isn't a light wine. Succulent, fresh, lifted and just so full of life. A touch of austerity on the finish - the tension coming through with the slate and graphite mintiness. There’s still a bite on the finish but that will be softened in time. I love this wine. 35% production. 3.7pH. 10% press. Ageing 50% new oak for the first year then foudre."