2010 Palmer, Margaux (Pre-Arrival)

SKU #1067151 98 points James Suckling

A purity of fruit here with plum and dark chocolate undertones. Spices and treacle tart as well. Full body, with ultra-fine tannins and a long, long finish. Very fine indeed. Fit, fruity and reserved. Superb. Try in 2020. (2/ 2013)

98 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2010 Palmer is one of the superstars of the vintage, a blend of 54% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot, which is just slightly different than what I indicated two years ago. The alcohol level hit 14.5%, and the wine comes across like a more stacked-and-packed version of their 2000. It is tannic and backward, but has a sensational black/purple color and a gorgeous nose of camphor, barbecue smoke, blackberry and cassis. Full-bodied, with oodles of glycerin but a relatively healthy pH, this wine has a precision and freshness that belie its lofty alcohol and extravagant concentration. This is a sensationally rich, full-throttle Palmer that could well end up being one of the all-time great wines made at this estate. It needs a good 7-10 years of cellaring and should keep for 50 or more years. (98+) (2/ 2013)

97 points Wine Enthusiast

*Cellar Selection* While outwardly this wine is generous and opulent with great juicy sweetness, the core is structured and powerful. The wine is concentrated and complex, with dark tannins and a brooding, dense texture. This is a wine with a long-lived future. (3/ 2013)

96 points Wine Spectator

This is riveting, with terrific tarry grip coursing underneath layers of smoldering bay leaf, warm plum confiture, freshly brewed espresso, dark cassis and well-steeped black tea. The charcoal and tobacco backdrop is gorgeous and should move forward through the core of fruit over time. Be patient though, as the structure is ironclad. This will really be electric once mature. Best from 2017 through 2040. (3/ 2013)

90-93 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

(a blend of 54% merlot, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 6% petit verdot; 90 IPT; 3.66 pH; 14.5 % alcohol) Deep ruby-red. Captivatingly deep, brooding aromas of blackcurrant, violet and dried herbs. Rich, suave and fine-grained, with delicate blackberry, cassis and mineral flavors. In a distinctly elegant style thanks to lively harmonious acids. The broad, long, palate-coating finish offers mounting chewy tannins delivered with a light touch. This is a massive Palmer that in spite its high content of merlot and alcohol is less fleshy and generous than other Palmer vintages at a similar stage of development. But that high merlot content may also be responsible for a hint of greenness in the tannins. (6/ 2011)

Jancis Robinson

So inviting on the nose: rich dark fruit but so fragrant, it is almost a little floral and just a hint of oak's vanilla sweetness. Finely aromatic and alluring. Then much more serious on the palate. Dense and rich and savoury. Tannins are dense but polished to perfection and the finish is fresh and dry. Great stuff. Not in the least showy but very impressive. 18.5/20 points. (4/ 2012)

K&L Notes

54% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot all done in 60% new oak.