Chateau Palmer   Palmer

2006 Palmer

By Chateau Palmer

2006 Palmer from Chateau Palmer, Margaux, Bordeaux

Exploring the captivating landscape of Bordeaux's finest offerings, one is drawn to the nuanced complexity of the 2006 vintage—specifically, the 2006 Palmer from Chateau Palmer. In a year that presented winemakers with an intricate ballet of climatic challenges, Chateau Palmer executed an outstanding performance, harmonising nature's unpredictability into a symphony of balanced flavours and textures.

 

Rarity and Elegance: A Wine Investment Jewel

As savvy wine investors seek out gems with distinguished ageing potential, the sheer elegance and finesse of the 2006 Palmer make it an attractive addition to any discerning collector's portfolio. Nestled in the heart of Margaux, Chateau Palmer's commitment to quality is evident in this particular vintage—a testament to the resilient spirit of their terroir amidst the seesawing conditions of the year. The period's early heatwave followed by cooler, wetter months could have been a recipe for disaster; yet here, it forged an exemplar of adaptability and precision.

 

Climatic Alchemy: The Metamorphosis into the 2006 Vintage

The 2006 growing season's late ripening offered a medley ripe with taut structure and longevity. This wine from Chateau Palmer captures an intriguing dance between merlot and cabernet sauvignon—a graceful interplay resulting in both subtlety and depth. With its bouquet blooming in layers of dark berries dusted with hints of tobacco and delicate spice, one experiences the epitome of Margaux finesse—a beguiling enticement for both palate and nose.

In terms of palate durability, the tannins reveal themselves to be intricately woven—assertive yet supple. They cradle a core fruit richness that has mellowed gracefully over time, hinting at plums and licorice with undercurrents of earthiness and floral nuances. The wine emerges from its chrysalis as a profound expression of its vintage—an extraordinary display amid a year graced by climatic trials.

As we delve into this offering from Chateau Palmer, it becomes abundantly clear that the 2006 vintage stands as a compelling narrative etched into viticultural annals. It resonates with those who value resilience amongst the vines—an attribute mirrored in its investment allure. Those seeking to enrich their inventory with a Margaux that beautifully narrates the story of its year will find much to admire within this garnet-hued sojourn.

Current market price

$4,020.00

12x75cl

Highest score

95

POP score

161.33

Scores and tasting notes

95

Tasted blind at Southwold ’06 Bordeaux tasting. This has a very ripe, blackberry, savoury, almost Pomerol-like bouquet with good definition. There is certainly attractive Merlot here that offers gamey, wet sand and earthy aromas. The palate is full-bodied with lovely, saturated tannins, good acidity, firm backbone here underlying those layers of oak-saturated black fruits. Nice poise on the finish with great delineation. Cassis, blueberry and plum towards the caressing, sensuous and yet precise finish. Lovely. Tasted January 2010.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2010

94

Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London. The 2006 Château Palmer was wonderful out of barrel ten years ago and now in bottle, it fulfills its promise with a stunning, precise bouquet of maraschino, iodine, cassis and tobacco scents that seem a few years younger than its Margaux peers. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin that cloak its sweet core of cassis and blackcurrant fruit. However, what is so striking is the fineness of the tannin and just how well that oak is subsumed into the fabric of the wine. This is a long-term proposition: a great Margaux from Thomas Duroux. Tasted January 2016.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 29 May 2016

92

The dense ruby/purple-hued 2006 Palmer reveals sweet aromas of melted licorice, underbrush, toast, plums, and black cherries. Outstanding density, a medium to full-bodied style, and a personality that recalls 1996, this blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and 34% Merlot possesses moderately high tannins as well as plenty of aging potential. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2028.

Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #181 Feb 2009

Vintage performance