Released en primeur this morning, no samples of 2020 Château Palmer were sent outside of France. This is due to the very low levels of sulphur used to stabilise the wine by winemaker Thomas Duroux. Without entering into the larger debate about biodynamics and 'natural' winemaking (which do not go hand in hand), suffice it to say that this low sulphur approach is quite revolutionary in a wine at this level, something which can only be achieved by obsessive levels of care and attention in the vineyard and the winery.
Of the major critics, only those based in Bordeaux have been able to taste so far. Writing for Jancisrobinson.com, James Lawther MW scores the wine 18+ points, and Jane Anson awards it 97 points, describing it as "intense and concentrated, elegant, balanced and classical".
Stock is very limited and we would not be at all surprised if this turns out to be landmark wine once in bottle, so do please let us know as soon as possible if you would like to order.
Bordeaux En Primeur, landing in spring 2023
To order, e-mail us at sales@richardkihl.ltd.uk
RED | 2020 | 1 case | Château Palmer | 75cl | £1,440 per case of 6 | Château Palmer 2020 / 1 case / 75cl £1,440 per case of 6 |
IB | ||||
Tasting Notes"48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot. Cask sample. The Merlot provides the broad sweep and touch of sweetness on entry, the Cabernet the fine but punchy tannins that drive the wine. Lots of life and persistence, the tannins fine-grained and fresh. Clear potential. 18+ points" jancisrobinson.com (JL)------"Vivid colours, and the aromatics grab hold straight away. This is intense and concentrated, elegant, balanced and classical, all about the texture which is velvety and seductive with softly-grained tannins. Moves oh so slowly through the palate with dozens of layers to get hold of. The overall feel is precise, slow and seductive, with appellation and estate signature at every turn. Sappy, hawthorn freshness, rosemary, redcurrant, tobacco, cigar box and dark chocolate shavings on the finish. 3.77pH, 78IPT, 55% of overall production, with 13% press wine. Drinking Window 2028 - 2044. 97 points" Jane Anson, Decanter Magazine------"The 2020 Palmer, which was matured in 65% new oak, possesses one of the most perfumed bouquets of the vintage with entrancing, seductive scents of black cherries, wild strawberry, iodine and crushed violets, all beautifully delineated (as per usual). The palate is medium-bodied with fine but quite firm tannins, lending this Palmer more backbone than presupposed. Blackberry, graphite and touches of liquorice develop with aeration that build towards an assertive, pencil box-tinged finish that nods towards Pauillac. This is a Palmer destined for long-term ageing, so readers should have a cool damp cellar handy. It is a serious Palmer, very different from the previous two vintages, not a mix of the two, but content in just being itself. 14.1% alcohol. 96-98 points" Neal Martin, Vinous.com |
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