2010 Palmer, Margaux 6-Pack in OWC

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.

(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.