Palmer 2013

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

A blend of 49% Merlot and 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Palmer 2013 certainly has more fruit intensity on the nose compared to the Alter Ego. A little more opulent, there is a sense of plushness typical of Palmer with oodles of black cherries, cassis and blueberries - hints of dried violet. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. The acidity is nicely judged with a fine masculine, swarthy finish that shows more length than the Alter Ego. This is a good effort from the Palmer team - what you might call a "swish" Margaux in the making. Tasted April 2014.

vinous92

Reviewed by: Ian d'Agata

(51% cabernet sauvignon and 49% merlot; 33% selection for the grand vin; 25 hl/ha): Ruby-red; obviously much darker than the Alter Ego. Deep aromas of ripe black cherry, cedar and cocoa. Then rich, dense and suave on the palate, with an almost unctuous quality and terrific persistence to the pure blackcurrant, flint and floral flavors. Smoothly tannic and very pure, this is an absolutely memorable Palmer, especially in the context of the vintage. A Palmer without merlot is not a Palmer, says Duroux, who chose not to eliminate too much of the merlot from the final blend; one gets the feeling all the dilute stuff went into the Alter Ego.

robert_parker88

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The use of new oak was also cut back in order to emphasize the fruit aspects of the wine. Consequently, the 2013 Palmer is an easygoing, fruit-forward, fresh, pure wine with no vegetal characteristics or astringent tannins. This opaque purple-colored, medium-bodied, plush 2013 preserves some of its Margaux typicity even in this tough vintage. Drink it over the next decade. Palmer’s administrator, Thomas Duroux, realized that 2013 was going to be a year requiring huge amounts of labor and a draconian-like selection. Only 3,800 cases of 2013 Palmer were produced from a blend of 49% Merlot and 51% Cabernet Sauvignon.

vinous92

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2013 Palmer has a pleasant bouquet and fine delineation, lacks a little fruit, is slightly earthy and missing the voluptuous qualities that one usually associates with Palmer. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannins, pleasant red cherries and wild strawberry fruit. It's elegant and poised with a lilting finish. Certainly, this is one of the best wines on the Left Bank in this challenging vintage. Tasted at 67 Pall Mall.

james_suckling92

Reviewed by: James Suckling

This is very solid for the vintage with blackberry, dark chocolate and black currants. Full body, with firm and chewy tannins and a juicy finish. Muscular wine for the vintage. 51% cabernet sauvignon and 49% merlot. 3,800 cases of this wine compared to 9,000 in a normal year

james_suckling92

Reviewed by: James Suckling

This is very solid for the vintage, with blackberry, dark chocolate and blackcurrants. Full body with firm, chewy tannins and a juicy finish. Muscular wine for the vintage. 51% cabernet sauvignon and 49% merlot. 3,800 cases of this wine compared to 9,000 in a normal year.

james_suckling93

Reviewed by: James Suckling

Extremely perfumed and floral with hints of currants. Full body, firm and silky. Pretty fruit and finish. Bright and firm too. Milk chocolate on the finish. Drink in 2018 but already joyful.