Château Palmer 2025 en Primeur

Deep dark ruby garnet, violet reflections, delicate edge brightening. Black berry fruit, a hint of cassis, delicate nougat, subtle spice, inviting bouquet. Complex, juicy, black cherries, fine extract sweetness, ripe tannins, mineral aftertaste, nougat touch on the finish, great length, sure maturity potential, seductive style.

Plush is the word to describe this red. Full-bodied and layered, with velvety tannins and a savory finish. Juicy at the end. Flashy and posh. Plenty of blackberry and black currant aromas and flavors.

One of the most refined and seamless wines of the vintage is the 2025 Palmer, a blend of 55% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot that wafts from the glass with aromas of sweet blackberries, plums and licorice complemented by floral accents of violet and wisteria (yes, the window of the tasting room was closed). Full-bodied, suave and layered, with a deep and concentrated core of fruit, bright acids and supple tannins, it's already harmonious and complete, concluding with a long, penetrating finish. At only 13.5% alcohol, this is quite a bit lower than most recent sunny vintages at Palmer.

Strongly perfumed aromatics, really quite intense and upfront, so expressive but more deep and seductive with heady scents of roses and blackcurrants. Instantly alive in the mouth, there’s an energy here that’s really captivating. Chewy, succulent, light on its feel but packing so many tannins yet it feels seamless. Aerial almost but there’s complexity with a fine layer of chewiness and chalkiness. Perhaps more delicate in some ways than other more plush Palmers but there’s power for sure wrapped up in freshness and approachability. Sturdy, stately, complex. I do love the darker, maybe more firm, edgy wine. Quite a compelling Palmer for me, more than just fruit and acidity. 14% press wine. 85 IPT. Harvest September 4–26.