2017 Chateau Palmer

98 POINTS

James Suckling

Very perfumed and subtle with dried flowers and citrus, as well as blue fruit. Full-bodied with wonderfully diffused, integrated tannins that just run over the edges of the wine. It’s extremely polished and very, very long. Fresh and bright. Energetic finish. A thoughtful wine. A blend of 54% merlot, 42% cabernet sauvignon and 4% petit verdot. Drink after 2023.

98 POINTS

James Suckling

This is a sexy and well-formed 2017 with very velvety and suave tannins that go on for minutes. Full-bodied, soft and round. Extremely long and last for minutes.

95 POINTS

Wine Spectator

Dark and winey in feel, with ample blackberry, plum and black currant compote flavors leading the way, while licorice snap, singed apple wood, black tea and dark earth notes fill in throughout. The finish is focused, showing a nice buried iron accent. A powerful version of Margaux and a strong effort in the vintage. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Best from 2023 through 2038.

95 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

Fruit and supple tannins mingle in this balanced, classic wine. Black-currant flavors are lifted by the energetic acidity and the freshness of the crisp texture. This wine will develop easily, giving pleasure all the way. Drink from 2023.

95 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

94–96. Barrel Sample. Ripe black fruits are held aloft by a core of firm tannins. The juicy black-currant flavors are full, rich, generous and structured. This wine is already beautifully balanced, harmonious and with a fine, medium-term future, nothing in excess. Drink from 2024.

95 POINTS

Jane Anson - Decanter Magazine

It's very interesting to watch a 'super-second' risk scaling back the muscular attributes of its wine. The key, says director Thomas Duroux, was building the blend carefully and using the press wines to preserve the mid-palate (12% press in this wine, around the same as the 2015). It's less powerful and concentrated than the last few vintages, and yet the wine feels sculpted and sewn into place. The fine tannins are extremely clear and precise, and there's a purity of fruit expression that gives an overwhelming initial impression. The aromatics are really striking, offering an abundance of violet notes on the nose with huge finesse. It just gets better and better in the mouth,, and the tannins do that slow-build thing that is so disarming. This has clear ageing potential. Very low SO2 use for the past few years, in keeping with their biodynamic principles. Just one plot of Petit Verdot for the grand vin was hit by frost. Harvested 20-29 September. 11,000 cases of Palmer, representing 55% of the crop.

94 POINTS

Simon Woolf - Decanter

The second vintage fermented completely with wild yeasts, this shows beautiful Margaux elegance: refined and soft textured yet with dark, plummy fruit on the nose and a hint of soy sauce on the finish. There’s a definite stylistic evolution compared to the pre-biodynamic era wines.

93 POINTS

Peter Moser - Falstaff Magazine

Deep dark ruby, purple reflections, delicate brightening on the rim. Nose still rather closed, but with smoky, intense herbal notes, dark berry fruit and a hint of leather underneath. Medium body, fine blackberry fruit, fresh acidity, vivid tannins that are still demanding, red cherry, currant and some saltiness on the finish. Mineral, classic style, but relatively youthful and uncharming.