($290-$350) Good deep red-ruby. Deep, brooding aromas of blackberry, kirsch and chocolate mint, with a distinctly roasted, jammy character showing today. Compellingly sweet and explosive on the palate, with great fat to the flavors of plum, mulberry, coffee and mocha; like a cocktail of jammy fruits. This is downright massive, not to say decadent, for Palmer-at 14% alcohol the highest ever recorded here. A pure liquid confection.

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More of everything than in 2000. But balance more important than numbers. 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot.Deep black cherry colour, sweet smoky cassis nose and a touch of mint. Not open yet. Lots of sweet spice but not especially oaky until you get to the palate, where it is more marked. Rich and dense and firm with a strong grip but fully ripe in every way. Muscular but smooth, rippling muscles under smooth skin. Dark and concentrated on the palate. Chocolate texture and milk chocolate sweetness but somehow not sweet. Roasted aromas. and a fine fresh long finish. Marked finesse and length and aromatic on the mid palate.  (JH)

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This spectacular offering should continue to improve, and may merit an even higher score after additional aging. Stunningly rich and powerful, the dark purple-tinged 2005 Palmer is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 7% Petit Verdot. Aromas of incense, burning embers, black currants, plums, licorice, and flowers are followed by a full-bodied Margaux with more weight and power even than its nearby first-growth rival, Chateau Margaux. The abundant acidity and tannins are beautifully coated by the wine's exceptional fruit extract and overall harmony and richness. It is so concentrated that one is hard pressed to find even a hint of new oak.

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Dark in color, with intense aromas of crushed berry, toasty oak and hints of raisin, turning to fresh flowers. Full-bodied, with a big, juicy, velvety texture and a long aftertaste of coffee, coconut and berry. This is powerful and muscular for Palmer.

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