Chateau Palmer 2009

Professional Ratings

• 99 Jeb Dunnuck
  The 2009 Palmer is unquestionably one of the greatest young Bordeaux I’ve tasted, and it has a rare mix of richness and elegance that’s incredible. Blackcurrants, violets, lead pencil shavings and a touch of minerality all emerge from this rich, massively concentrated Margaux that still glides across the palate with no sense of weight or heaviness. It’s perfectly balanced, has a ripe, hedonistic core of fruit, as well as integrated acidity. It’s a dream today, but is going to have 30-40 years or more of prime drinking.
• 98 Wine Enthusiast
  A beautiful wine, with the firmest tannins surrounded by perfumed fruit. It is dense, of course, but this density is balanced with great elegance, blackberry fruits, sweetness and final juicy acidity. The wine is structured, a powerhouse of concentration while preserving this complete style.
  Cellar Selection
• 98 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  Deep garnet colored, the 2009 Palmer delivers a beguiling array of black fruit—warm plums, cassis and black cherry compote—with kirsch and wild sage sparks plus profound suggestions of fragrant earth, black truffles, iron ore and liquid licorice. Full-bodied, rich and decadently seductive in the mouth, the generous fruit is superbly framed with plush tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.
• 98 James Suckling
  This has such class and power. Aromas of blueberries and blackberries, with hints of violets. Full-bodied, with polished tannins and a juicy finish. Solid and extremely pretty. Fabulous finish. Try in 2020.
• 97 Decanter
  A deep, rich and subdued nose slowly unpeels to reveal violets and peonies. The palate is rich too, with an incredible texture and a smoky edge which comes out on the mid-palate. It's so young still, it will go and go and lives up to some of the best Palmers on record. It's not as elegant as the 2005 or 2015 perhaps, but the generous fruits are matched pace for pace by the natural tension and tannic grip. It's just beginning to bed down, never mind open up. Very good quality.
• 95 Wine Spectator
  This is on another level from most in the appellation, with gorgeous layers of warm currant confiture, smoldering tobacco, licorice snap, warm paving stone and anise all framed by tarry but integrated grip. Stays sleek and well-defined through the finish. Should age beautifully. Best from 2015 through 2030.