Château Palmer Margaux 2004

BN#183694

Château Palmer

This vintage was bottled in early July 2006 and is now starting its second stage of life. After 20 months' ageing in barrel, the new wine has settled down. Its personality is gradually developing, like a child growing up, but it still has a long way to go to reach maturity. However, at this stage, it is interesting to taste the wine, appreciate how it has developed so far, and assess its future potential. The colour is still crimson and has not changed at all. Ripe fruit aromas are mixed with hints of soft spices such as cinnamon. There are also overtones of black and pink pepper, as well as floral notes reminiscent of acacia flowers. All these aromas contribute to the great finesse and elegance so characteristic of Palmer's charm. On the palate, the texture is perfectly well-balanced and flavourful, supported by ripe tannins that give it density and length without any harshness. The fine, complex aromas follow through on the beautiful aftertaste, which is highly indicative of the wine's excellent potential.

Wine Advocate

This stunning wine is one of the vintage’s great successes. Administrator Thomas Duroux has fashioned a modern day version of Palmer’s brilliant 1966. Displaying a rare combination of power and elegance, this dense purple-colored offering exhibits notes of blackberries, truffles, flowers, incense, and camphor. Long, classic, and medium to full-bodied with stunning texture and richness, this superb effort is a candidate for the finest Margaux of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2025+.

Score: 94. —Robert Parker, June 2007.

Wine Enthusiast

This wine hits the opulent end of the spectrum, with its dense, velvet structure, and superrich fruit. But it is not weighed down with this richness, because the pure fruit, the fine lines of the tannins and the very precise character of the vanilla from the wood all give liveliness.

Score: 93. —Roger Voss, June 01, 2007.