Chateau Palmer 2013

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "Very well balanced, this is already a beautiful wine that could almost be drunk now. Smooth tannins and oak are layered with red and black-currant fruits that are perfumed and fresh. The structure is all there, just light and fragrant. Drink now, although the wine will fill out from 2022."

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."

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, breitere Randaufhellung, feines Heidelbeerkonfit, reife Kirschen, zarte Gewürzanklänge, Edelholztouch, ein Hauch von Nougat. Rotbeerig, frische Kirschen, präsente Tannine, blättrige Nuancen im Abgang, rassig strukturiert, salziger Nachhall, zitronig im Rückgeschmack."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Forest floor aromas are coupled with truffle and black plum in this soft, round wine. Featuring plenty of finesse, the wine ends with polished, fresh black raspberries and a little bit of dust in the finish. This wine is about elegance and purity of fruit. For tasters that feel 2009 and 2010 were too much, this is your year. From 51% Cabernet Sauvignon and 49% Merlot, the wine reached 13% alcohol and will be aged in 55% new French oak barrels. With yields of 25 hectoliters per hectare, only 33% of the wine was used for the Grand Vin. 2013 is the last vintage not to be farmed 100% Biodynamically. Starting in 2014, everything will be 100% Biodynamic. According to Thomas Duroux, with 2013, the biodynamic farming helped balance the vintage. Without it, 2013 would have been much more challenging. The property will property will produce a 2013 historical blend."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Shows good energy, with a brambly undertow beneath the dark plum, cassis and blackberry compote flavors. The finish is lined with juniper and tobacco notes, all backed by good grip. More vivacious yet less refined than the 2013 Margaux, yet still a really nice effort. Best from 2018 through 2025. 3,800 cases made. — JM"