Château Palmer 2023

The vivid density and structure to this is really captivating, with pure blackcurrant character. Full-bodied with very silky, refined and ultra-fine tannins and an exquisite finish. Caresses every inch of the palate. It's seems like it will be large and overpowering, but it's actually ethereal and cloud-like. The tannin quality is so refined and, in a way, weightless. 50% cabernet sauvignon, 46% merlot and 4% petit verdot.

50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot Palmer is authentic, serene, precise and fresh. It creates a symbiosis of chalky, spicy notes with scents of elderberry and cherry, complemented by a hint of cocoa bean. Elegant right from the start, the wine is characterised by its depth and power. The latter is well channeled, surrounded by the bright side of the acidity and the darker, more graceful side of the fine-grained tannins. A cerebral wine that invites you to sit back and be carried away by the many thoughts it is likely to provoke. The salivary finish refreshes the palate, while the fine bitterness enhances the aromatic expression and prolongs the finish. A wine with the soul of Palmer, with depth and persistence. It has a long journey ahead of it and all present can rejoice in its prospects. 2030-2068

Director Thomas Duroux and his team elected to harvest late in pursuit of full maturity, beginning with the Merlot on September 11 and finishing the Cabernet Sauvignon on October 5 to produce a beautiful 2023 Palmer, redolent of cherries, wild berries, rose petals and violets. A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, it's medium to full-bodied, plush and enveloping, with a cool core of fruit, succulent acids, ultra-refined tannins and a seamless, complete profile.

Compared to the flamboyantly charming Château Palmer I remember, the 2023 vintage has traded some of its sweetness for a more refreshing acidity, and even an unusual salty note that I’ve never meet before. Its palate remains rich, its fruit aromas are still extroverted, and its tannins are finely textured. However, no matter how many times you taste it, there isn’t any heaviness—everything flows smoothly. It feels like doing yoga on the edge of a cliff: onlookers are thrilled, while the practitioner is calm and composed. The 2023 vintage has shown me the perfect union of high acidity and ripe polyphenols, deepening my understanding of Château Palmer and making me look forward to its aging potential.