98

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2022 Palmer is all class. Blackberry, mocha, spice, leather and espresso all meld together in a seamless, elegant Palmer that impresses with its sublime balance. All the elements are impeccably put together throughout. The only thing this is missing is perhaps a touch more energy. Even so, the 2022 is an exceptional Palmer. Yields were a minuscule 22 hectoliters per hectare. Small berries yielded a deep wine that needs time to fully emerge. As has been the case for a few years now, both Palmer and Alter Ego spend a year in small barrel and a second year in wood, a majority of that (65%) in cask. 01/2025

97

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 2022 Palmer is an absolute peach on the nose, with exquisite aromatic delineation pure black fruit laced with crushed stone and light, almost flinty aromas. The aromatics show a sense of control, crafted in a less opulent style than expected from a warm season or compared to recent Palmer vintages. The medium-bodied palate features fine tannins and a killer line of acidity; Thomas Duroux mentioned the pH is fairly high at 3.80. This wine is extremely precise, with no excess and an unapologetic linear finish. You would never suspect it comes from one of the hottest summers ever. Outstanding. 01/2025

97

William Kelley

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

Thomas Duroux and his team opted to wait to pick the 2022 Palmer in pursuit of full maturity, taking advantage of the resilience of the estate's terroirs, and they have followed up with a brilliantly executed élevage that has retained pure, vivid flavors despite the wine's ripeness and unctuosity. Bursting with aromas of blackberries, crème de cassis, mulberries and violets, it's full-bodied, velvety and enveloping, with a sumptuous core of rich, fleshy fruit framed by sweet, powdery tannins, taking on more and more floral nuances as it sits in the glass. This is one of the Médoc's most sensual wines this year. 03/2025

97

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

The Grand Vin 2022 Château Palmer is based on 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, from tiny yields of 22 hectoliters per hectare. It's a deep, unctuous, fabulously textured 2022 that does everything right. Ripe blackcurrants, blueberries, liquid violets, and freshly sharpened pencil notes define the aromatics, and it's full-bodied, with a pure, layered, seamless mouthfeel, a remarkable floral character, and a great finish. It's a ripe, opulent, incredibly sexy Palmer that will benefit from a decade of bottle age and evolve gracefully over the following 30-40 years. 02/2025

99

Jean-Marc Quarin

Jean-Marc Quarin

Couleur noire et intense. Nez très aromatique, fin, au fruité pur, mûr et crémeux. Touche élégante de zan sur le fruit noir. Ample à l'attaque, juteux en milieu de bouche, avec de la classe dans le toucher et beaucoup de goût, le vin fond, glisse sur un grain fin. Ensemble profond et pourtant aérien tout à fait remarquable. A noter que la décantation n'altère pas le nez, ce qui est fort rare. Une nouvelle référence pour Palmer. 02/2025

98

James Suckling

James Suckling

Lots of creme de cassis with cedar, dried flowers, blackberries and dark cherries. Opulent and flamboyant. Full-bodied and layered, this grows with plush, velvety tannins that caress every inch of your palate. Extremely long and attractive in the finish. Well-designed in this ripe year. 51% merlot, 45% cabernet sauvignon, and 4% petit verdot. Best after 2029. 01/2025