Wine Advisor
Palmer 2004
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
This is a stunning Palmer considering the growing season and for this writer, on par with Chateau Margaux. It has a deep garnet/purple hue. The nose is divine: pure black fruits, bilberry, cedar and a touch of iodine all with fabulous definition. The palate is full-bodied with very fine tannins, modern in style but exuding pedigree and class. Very refined on the finish with just a slight peppery edge. Love this wine, love it! Drink 2016-2035. Tasted November 2008.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
An understated nose, very fresh with blackberry leaf and damp earth. The palate has firm tannins, quite rigid in structure - this is not a flamboyant Palmer. Classic. Quite masculine. Tight and backward. Not the weight or opulence of the 2003 but the finish is very elegant. Tasted April 2005.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
A limpid deep ruby/garnet hue. Reticent on the nose at first, but eventually revealing blackberry, cedar and mint, with iodine and a touch of kirsch later on. The palate is full-bodied with a very smooth entry. A sensuous, seductive 2004 with beautifully interwoven tannins. Polished and sleek though the finish is a little abrupt. Tang of dried blood persists on the aftertaste. A complex, engaging wine with great potential. Tasted October 2006. Drinking 2016-2035
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
One of the stars of the vintage, the 2004 Palmer, a blend of 47% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Petit Verdot, is a significantly richer, fuller-bodied, and potentially more complex wine than the 2003, 2002, and 2001. The 2004's dense blue/purple color is followed by an extraordinary nose of acacia flowers, charcoal, creme de cassis, and grilled meats. This powerful, heady, full-bodied effort may turn out to be a modern day version of Palmer’s brilliant 1966. It requires 5-7 years of cellaring, and should drink well for 2-3 decades. Bravo!
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
A significant improvement over the 2003, Palmer’s 2004 (47% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Petit Verdot), which was harvested between September 27 and October 12, possesses a high level of tannin. Only about one-third of the crop made it into this dense ruby/purple-colored effort. Notes of licorice, creme de cassis, smoke, and grilled meats are found in this pure, rich, fat Margaux. Classically structured, medium-bodied, long, and firmly tannic, it should be at its peak between 2010-2025.
Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
Deep red. Rich aromas of plum, redcurrant, chocolate and smoke. Sweet, lush and smooth, with a wonderfully fine-grained texture for the year. Highly expressive flavors of currant, cedar, chocolate and tobacco. The wine's subtle sweetness, suave tannins and sneaky persistence convey an impression of very regular ripeness.
Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
Full red-ruby. Sweet, vibrant aromas of plum, minerals, flowers and sexy oak spices. Densely packed and impressively rich for 2004, but also possesses the energy and precision of the vintage's better examples. The dark berry and mineral flavors are lifted by flowers and mint. Classic and classy Margaux, finishing with suave tannins and a persistent note of chocolate mint.
Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
(47% merlot, 46% cabernet sauvignon and 7% petit verdot) Very deep ruby-red. Highly perfumed aromas of blackberry, black cherry and violet; almost minty in the way of a blackberry pastille. Densely packed, pure and penetrating; extremely primary and vibrant, particularly for a wine with so much merlot. As suave and seamless as this is, there's no shortage of underlying muscle. Serious, powerful Palmer with the structure for extended aging.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
This stunning wine is one of the vintage’s great successes. Administrator Thomas Duroux has fashioned a modern day version of Palmer’s brilliant 1966. Displaying a rare combination of power and elegance, this dense purple-colored offering exhibits notes of blackberries, truffles, flowers, incense, and camphor. Long, classic, and medium to full-bodied with stunning texture and richness, this superb effort is a candidate for the finest Margaux of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2025+. Also tasted: 2004 Alter Ego de Palmer (88)
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2004 Palmer has a slightly disjointed bouquet, earthy red and black fruit, tobacco and cigar box, rather hollow when compared to Palmer’s other vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, slightly dry tannins, fine acidity and "old school" in style with a light finish. This is not going to go anywhere, so drink this soon. Tasted at 67 Pall Mall
About the Producer
The fine seaside climate and soils of Long Island’s North Fork provide exceptional conditions for the making of world-class varietal wines. With 110 acres planted with Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc to supply the winery’s 20,000 annual case production, Palmer strives to preserve and enhance the purity of flavor and distinctive, fresh character which makes this region’s wines so unique. The state- of-the art winery contains the most modern winemaking equipment available today, and also includes substantial new French oak cooperage, purchased each year, for both barrel fermentation of our Chardonnay and the aging of our premium red varietals.
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Package Size
12 x 75cl
