Château Palmer

Château Palmer, 3ème Cru Classé, Margaux, 2014

Name: Château Palmer, 3ème Cru Classé, Margaux
Brand: Château Palmer
Price: 1465 GBP

94/100

Inside Bordeaux

94/100

The Wine Independent

93/100

Vinous

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En primeur

2014
6x75cl
EP
£1,465.00

Justerini & Brooks Tasting note

Chris Myers, the new Export Director at Chateau Palmer explained that 2014 was the first year the estate went fully biodynamic, although they won't be certified biodynamic until 2017. He also explained that they are trying to reduce the use of SO2 in winemaking. The first time the wine came into contact with SO2 was after the malolactic fermentations. Again, it could be that our palates were fading by the time we got to Palmer, but we noticed quite a significant changer of style here. Normally we are ready to be seduced by one of the most flamboyant and decadent wines from the Medoc, but the 2014 Palmer had little of this charm on the basis of our tasting. That is not to say it is not a wine worthy of merit, it possesses impressive extract and perhaps all the components of a great Palmer, but this seems to be trying hard to be more serious, more brooding, a wine with more gravitas. Maybe we were caught off guard, but this was a departure from the style we have come to love and expect. Longer macerations at higher temperatures and more pumping over have certainly given this wine some good colour. Aromatically less exotic than usual with notes of sweet black bramble fruit and scorched earth. The palate has a pure profile of ripe plummy fruit and deep cassis. With 15% of press wine already added the tannins are very evident. The lasting impression is of something rather brooding, more restrained and trying to be a bit more serious - and in the process losing some of its epicurean charm. 45% Merlot, 49% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot.

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Critic Reviews

93/100

Neal Martin,

Vinous

The 2014 Palmer has an attractive bouquet with red berry fruit, cedar, undergrowth and veins of blue fruit. This opens nicely in the glass, but I certainly would not classify it as one of Palmer's more opulent aromatics. The palate is medium-bodied with powdery tannins, mainly red fruit intermixed with white pepper, cedar and orange rind. Linear in style, this is a Palmer that doesn't want to show off and remains within the limitations of the growing season. It should offer another 20 years of drinking pleasure. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.

drinking window 2024 - 2046

date of review 03/2024

94/100

Lisa Perrotti-Brown,

The Wine Independent

Deep garnet-brick in color, the 2014 Palmer features evocative scents of stewed plums, blackberry preserves, and garrigue with hints of leather, Indian spices, and underbrush. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock full of black fruit preserves and exotic spice notes framed by plush tannins, finishing long and opulent.

drinking window 2024 - 2044

date of review 03/2024

94/100

Jane Anson,

Inside Bordeaux

Beautifully poised, with spiced damson and raspberry fruits, higher acidity than you find in the 2015 or 2016, juicy and just about opening up to drink. Has the generous floral character of a maturing Palmer, where the peony and roses start to take off through the mid palate, hovering above the berry fruits, layering up with complexity, thoroughly enjoyable. A good 10 to 15 years ahead of pleasure. This was the 200th anniversary vintage since General Charles Palmer bought the wine estate from Madame de Gascq. Harvest September 22 to October 14, 60% new oak.

drinking window 2024 - 2042

date of review 02/2024

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abv:

13.5%

allergen information

This product may contain sulphites. Full allergen information is available upon request, please call our Customer Relations Team on +44 (0)20 7484 6430.