(a blend of 54% merlot, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 6% petit verdot; 90 IPT; 3.66 pH; 14.5 % alcohol) Deep ruby-red. Captivatingly deep, brooding aromas of blackcurrant, violet and dried herbs. Rich, suave and fine-grained, with delicate blackberry, cassis and mineral flavors. In a distinctly elegant style thanks to lively harmonious acids. The broad, long, palate-coating finish offers mounting chewy tannins delivered with a light touch. This is a massive Palmer that in spite its high content of merlot and alcohol is less fleshy and generous than other Palmer vintages at a similar stage of development. But that high merlot content may also be responsible for a hint of greenness in the tannins.

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54% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot. Very dark purple. Amazingly sweet and luscious on the nose. Incredibly sweet and distinctive – pure pleasure at first. Very round and luscious and has massive polish. Incredibly open at this stage – will it close up, I wonder? But underneath, a great stew of tannins lurk..! Great freshness but no leafiness. This is already carrying the Palmer hallmark in spades and its only on the finish that one sees the strong vintage character. Nothing excessive. pH 3.65.

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The 2010 Palmer is one of the superstars of the vintage, a blend of 54% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot, which is just slightly different than what I indicated two years ago. The alcohol level hit 14.5%, and the wine comes across like a more stacked-and-packed version of their 2000. It is tannic and backward, but has a sensational black/purple color and a gorgeous nose of camphor, barbecue smoke, blackberry and cassis. Full-bodied, with oodles of glycerin but a relatively healthy pH, this wine has a precision and freshness that belie its lofty alcohol and extravagant concentration. This is a sensationally rich, full-throttle Palmer that could well end up being one of the all-time great wines made at this estate. It needs a good 7-10 years of cellaring and should keep for 50 or more years.

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