2016 Palmer
By Chateau Palmer
2016 Palmer from Chateau Palmer, Margaux, Bordeaux
The esteemed Chateau Palmer presents its 2016 Palmer with both prestige and promise—a vintage notable for its elegance and structure, worthy of the most discerning investor's cellar. As an observer of the vintages year-on-year, I've come to appreciate how certain years set themselves apart, and 2016 in Margaux is one such occurence.
Vintage Virtuosity: Defining 2016 Palmer from Chateau Palmer
The 2016 vintage at Chateau Palmer is a vignette of Margaux's mastery over capricious nature. Known for the complexity and finesse typical of this appellation, the wine has surpassed expectations set by its predecessors. The growing season of 2016 saw a wet spring followed by a providentially dry summer, laying the foundation for a harvest that brought forth grapes with excellent phenolic ripeness and vibrant acidity—essential components for long-term aging potential.
Layered Elegance from a Celebrated Terroir
With a nose that encapsulates the essence of dark fruits intermingled with a hint of floral tones and an exquisite minerality, this wine commands attention upon decanting. The palate is treated to layers of luscious blackberry and cassis, with undertones of graphite that are almost Pauillac-like in their presence. These characters encapsulate the idiosyncrasies of the unique terroir found within the confines of Chateau Palmer.
The marry of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon has been judiciously handled in this vintage, providing both a textured mouthfeel and depth. On investing in fine wines, one must note the impressive balance and refined tannins which promise further enrichment as the 2016 Palmer from Chateau Palmer matures—attributes that aficionados and investors chase fervently.
In summary, while many vintages from Bordeaux vie for attention, the 2016 vintage from Chateau Palmer carries with it an air of sophistication that astutely captures the character of Margaux. With investment-worthy potential locked within each bottle, it befits those who seek both pleasure and prudence in their pursuit of fine wine acquisition.
Market price (GBP)
£2,770.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
138.5
Scores and tasting notes
I wrote that the 2015 was incredible, and this 2016 is again. It’s equally structured and powerful as the 2015, yet there’s an underlying intellectual serenity to this wine. You taste it, and you want to know and experience it even more. Full and tannic yet ever so polished and beautiful. Mesmerizing. Made from biodynamically grown grapes.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 4th 2017
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.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 30 November 2018
Very dark, velvety look - really bright. Complex and energetic. Not simple and sweet but quite a step change. Feels a little transitional because it's so different and more energetic than the old style. 65% new oak, as always, but the wine can absorb it better. Some bitter chocolate. Lots of sweetness. Energy and freshness.
Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com