Professional reviews
Robert Parker (97)
Thomas Duroux and his team opted to wait to pick the 2022 Palmer in pursuit of full maturity, taking advantage of the resilience of the estate's terroirs, and they have followed up with a brilliantly executed élevage that has retained pure, vivid flavors despite the wine's ripeness and unctuosity. Bursting with aromas of blackberries, crème de cassis, mulberries and violets, it's full-bodied, velvety and enveloping, with a sumptuous core of rich, fleshy fruit framed by sweet, powdery tannins, taking on more and more floral nuances as it sits in the glass. This is one of the Médoc's most sensual wines this year.
Winespectator (97)
Expressive and well-delineated, with singed iris, ink and alder accents leading off, followed by dark currant, blackberry and black cherry paste flavors that are both lush and racy in feel. Warm paving stone and dark tobacco gird the finish, which has ample structure for the cellar, Shows the floral lift and showy fruit of the vintage married to a growl of real terroir. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2027 through 2050. 8,000 cases made.
James Suckling (98)
Lots of creme de cassis with cedar, dried flowers, blackberries and dark cherries. Opulent and flamboyant. Full-bodied and layered, this grows with plush, velvety tannins that caress every inch of your palate. Extremely long and attractive in the finish. Well-designed in this ripe year. 51% merlot, 45% cabernet sauvignon, and 4% petit verdot. Best after 2029.
Jancis Robinson (17)
51% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot. Cask sample.
Fresh, floral and juicy, the accent on the fruit. A real delectation. Tannins firm but fine, so well structured as well. There’s drinkability but also the potential to age. (JL)
Vinous (98)
The 2022 Palmer is an absolute peach on the nose, with exquisite aromatic delineation pure black fruit laced with crushed stone and light, almost flinty aromas. The aromatics show a sense of control, crafted in a less opulent style than expected from a warm season or compared to recent Palmer vintages. The medium-bodied palate features fine tannins and a killer line of acidity; Thomas Duroux mentioned the pH is fairly high at 3.80. This wine is extremely precise, with no excess and an unapologetic linear finish. You would never suspect it comes from one of the hottest summers ever. Outstanding.
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
The Grand Vin 2022 Château Palmer is based on 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, from tiny yields of 22 hectoliters per hectare. It's a deep, unctuous, fabulously textured 2022 that does everything right. Ripe blackcurrants, blueberries, liquid violets, and freshly sharpened pencil notes define the aromatics, and it's full-bodied, with a pure, layered, seamless mouthfeel, a remarkable floral character, and a great finish. It's a ripe, opulent, incredibly sexy Palmer that will benefit from a decade of bottle age and evolve gracefully over the following 30-40 years.
Decanter (97)
Ripe and sweet strawberry and cherry fruit alongside milk chocolate and dried flowers on the nose, this smells so inviting. Fleshy and filling, tannins have a gentle grip and crushed velvet texture that is so appealing, gently covering the mouth and slowly expanding the expression. The blackcurrant and cherry fruit is persistent but mint, liquorice and cola accents emerge towards the finish adding layers of nuance. Calm but confident, this is out to please and does so effortlessly. Great acidity and salty bite. It has relaxed since Primeurs, not so taught, but incredibly seductive with undeniable power. Works well with the vintage and still emerges cool and fresh.
