Chateau Palmer 2016

Chateau Palmer, Third Growth, Margaux, Bordeaux, France, 2016

Grapes: A blend of 47% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot

Organic/biodynamic production with yields at a low 29ha/ha (down from average of 35ha/hl in this vintage). One of best chateau in Bordeaux, rivalling the quality of the First Growths' wines.

Palmer’s CEO Thomas Duroux said of the year (2016), “It was a milder summer, not too much heat, so there was not too much alcohol this year and nothing jammy.”

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"The 2016 Palmer is a blend of 47% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot. Opaque garnet-purple colored, it slowly glides out of the glass with compelling notes of blueberry compote, warm cassis and kirsch with emerging hints of violets, cigar box, black tea, sandalwood and Sichuan pepper. Medium to full-bodied, wonderfully rich, concentrated and packed with latent energy, the palate literally grows in the mouth, revealing layer upon layer of black, blue and red fruits and tons of floral sparks, framed by super ripe, incredibly fine-grained tannins and finishing with epic length. It’s a wine that makes you wanna drape yourself languidly over a chaise lounge, glass of Palmer in hand, sighing with deep satisfaction, 'This is so wonderfully Palmer.' "  Drink 2024-2060

98/100 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate, November 2018 

"Tasted blind. Dark crimson. Slightly sweaty nose. Then thick and sweet and utterly charming and super-attractive texture. Fresh finish and the tannins are virtually subsumed in this glorious fruit. Kerpow! Great length. Heady, rich, very dramatic and lively. Complete. A contentious wine because of the concentration?" Drink 2026 – 2048

18.5/20 points, Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com, February 2020