49% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot. In comparison to its little brother Alter Ego, the grand vin of Palmer was brooding and closed, more serious, with 12% press wine and a higher proportion of new oak. It has a nose of violets, plums, dark chocolate and road tar. The vines at Palmer were restricted to just 4 bunches per vine; this shows on the palate with terrific concentration and ripe, firm tannins. There is no greeness here and it is being compared to the 1999 at this early stage. It should drink beautifully between 2015-2030. 17.4 points (out of 20)

• En Primeur wines are still in barrel at the châteaux and are sold as ‘futures’ up to two years in advance of delivery. The price includes delivery in-bond to a dedicated storage account. Before your wine arrives in the UK you will have the option to specify duty-paid delivery to an address of your choice, but you will need to pay a release fee to cover duty, VAT and handling at the prevailing rates.

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"No review. 91-93 points."

Robert Parker,
www.erobertparker.com
More reviews from Robert Parker

"Very deep crimson. Rather more drama and concentration on the nose than Alter Ego has. Reasonably sumptuous. Very sweet, really very obviously low acidity. Not desperately appetising. Pretty round and soft. Very polished. 12.5%. Very unusual mixture of old-fashioned structure (low alcohol) with modern texture and much less acidity than in the old days. Quite distinctive! At Palmer the second wine seemed particularly successful - having the freshness that was not so evident on the grand vin. Compare with the Pavillon Rouge below. 17 points (out of 20)."

Jancis Robinson,
www.jancisrobinson.com
More reviews from Jancis Robinson

"Very pretty, with blackberry, light vanilla and a coffee bean character. Medium-to-full body, with ultrafine tannins and a long, clean finish. 88-91 points."

James Suckling,
Wine Spectator
More reviews from James Suckling