Professional reviews
Robert Parker (97)
96 - 97: 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
James Suckling (99)
This is so perfumed, with aromas of dried flowers, sandalwood, black currants and blueberries. Medium- to full-bodied with tannins that melt into the wine and a beautiful texture that caresses every inch of the palate. Seductive and polished, with ripe fruit and citrus acidity. 50% cabernet sauvignon, 46% merlot and 4% petite verdot. Drinkable now, but this will give wonderful drinking pleasure in three or four years.
Jancis Robinson (17.50)
Gourmand again, like the Alter Ego, but more complexity and depth on the nose. Unctuosity on the mid palate but length and persistence as well. Lovely texture of tannin but definitively structured to age.
Vinous (100)
There's not much to say about the 2023 Palmer. It was exceptionally beautiful en primeur, and it is all that today. Black cherry, plum, gravel, incense, truffle, licorice and chocolate soar from the glass. Texturally gorgeous and riveting, Palmer delivers on all fronts in 2023. As always, Palmer is one of the most distinctive wines in Bordeaux. It's next to impossible to say we are on the Left Bank.
Falstaff (97)
Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. Delicate mandarin zest, ripe heart cherry, fresh blackberry, delicate hint of liquorice, still somewhat reserved. Complex, powerful, red cherry, ripe, firm tannins, racy acidity, currant touch on the finish, fine herbal savouriness in the aftertaste, lingers, a full-bodied food companion
