2016, Château Palmer, MARGAUX, 3ème Grand Cru Classé

3rd Growth 1855

47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot.

Technical Director Thomas Duroux and his team made one of the most brilliant wines of the 2016 vintage. Palmer is simply exceptional. Rich and dramatically sweeping in the glass, the 2016 is breathtaking. All the elements simply fall into place in a wine of mesmerising beauty. The counterpoint of dark, sumptuous fruit and floral notes makes for an utterly compelling Palmer that will take its place among the estate's finest vintages. Dark cherry, lavender, spice and mocha are some of the many notes that build into a deep, substantial finish that is truly unforgettable. In a word: magnificent! 2026-2066.
100 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.

Last tried at the 10 years on tasting back in January of this year, and once again this confirms that the 2016 Palmer showcases the power and concentration of the vintage, remaining concentrated and muscular, in need of a few more years to fully realise its evident potential. With 30 minutes in the glass, a slow unroll reveals layers of cassis, bilberry, cigar box, graphite, peony flowers, liquorice root, cocoa bean, espresso and gunsmoke. Love how the nuanced florality of the Margaux appellation is hidden underneath the architecture. The estate was being fully farmed biodynamically at this point, but still two years away from certification. Thomas Duroux director, 60% new oak for ageing.
99 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

The 2016 Palmer has an exquisite bouquet with gushing violet petals infusing the black fruit, very well defined, certainly one of the most opulent Left Bank wines. The palate is medium-bodied with rounded tannins, sweet but never cloying, the acidity maintaining tension, with plenty of spice surging through on the finish. Superb. Tasted at Bordeaux Index's 10-Year-On tasting in London, Feb 2026.
97 Neal Martin, Vinous.

Smoke, dark chocolate, dark berries, tobacco, and earth on the nose. Precise, focused tannins and dark fruit on the palate. Compact yet expressive, showing attractive harmony. Layered and persistent. Approachable with some aeration, but will benefit from continued aging. Drink or hold. 10 Years On retrospective.
98 James Suckling.