Château Palmer Margaux 2005

BN#252914

Varietal	Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Category	Red Wine
Region	France : Bordeaux : Margaux
Producer	Château Palmer

$349.95
SKU1422095

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Tasting this truly outstanding wine instinctively reminds us of the euphoria we felt at vintage time, in September 2005. The colour is very deep, almost black. The nose is incredibly complex, with overtones of blackberry, black cherry, Asian spice, sandalwood, iris, and smoky nuances. With aeration, these various aromas combine in perfect harmony. None dominates, and all contribute to great aromatic complexity.

2005 Château Palmer has tremendous, perhaps unprecedented richness on the palate. The tannin is astonishingly powerful, but manages to retain the estate's trademark velvetiness. While smooth, the texture is magnificently fine-grained. The aftertaste is so long, and so fine, that this is unquestionably one of the most beautiful wines we have ever made.

Who knows when this monumental Palmer will reach its peak?

Wine Advocate This spectacular offering should continue to improve, and may merit an even higher score after additional aging. Stunningly rich and powerful, the dark purple-tinged 2005 Palmer is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 7% Petit Verdot. Aromas of incense, burning embers, black currants, plums, licorice, and flowers are followed by a full-bodied Margaux with more weight and power even than its nearby first-growth rival, Chateau Margaux. The abundant acidity and tannins are beautifully coated by the wine’s exceptional fruit extract and overall harmony and richness. It is so concentrated that one is hard pressed to find even a hint of new oak. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2045+ Score: 97. —Robert Parker, April 2008.

Wine Enthusiast Aromas of black tar, chocolate and berries lead to a wine that is so effortlessly delicious that it’s easy to forget the power the Merlot gives it. The center is round, but dark, filled with sweetness; the outer layers are full of red jelly and toast. There are tannins, but they, too, are sweet. Score: 96. —Roger Voss, June 01, 2008.

Wine Spectator Dark in color, with intense aromas of crushed berry, toasty oak and hints of raisin, turning to fresh flowers. Full-bodied, with a big, juicy, velvety texture and a long aftertaste of coffee, coconut and berry. This is powerful and muscular for Palmer. Best after 2012. Score: 95. —James Suckling, March 31, 2008.