Palmer 2004

This stunning wine is one of the vintage’s great successes. Administrator Thomas Duroux has fashioned a modern day version of Palmer’s brilliant 1966. Displaying a rare combination of power and elegance, this dense purple-colored offering exhibits notes of blackberries, truffles, flowers, incense, and camphor. Long, classic, and medium to full-bodied with stunning texture and richness, this superb effort is a candidate for the finest Margaux of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2025+. Also tasted: 2004 Alter Ego de Palmer (88)

This is a fruity and firm wine with lovely blackberry and cherry character. Full-bodied, with good tannins and a medium finish. Needs a bit more in the midpalate, but very good indeed

A more classic year than the 2003 or 2005 on either side, really showing beautifully right now, still young but full of promise, tension and juice. This is an extremely elegant, balanced Palmer, with dark berry fruits, cassis and blackberry, touch of campfire smoke, salinity and plenty of juice running through the muscular tannins. Plays with you on the finish, stretching out its flavours, salivating, totally gorgeous, suprisingly so for a vintage that can get overlooked. One that you could happily open now, or hold for another decade or more. Harvest September 27 to October 12, 60% new oak. Thomas Duroux's first vintage as director.

Lovely fresh, intense palate entry - all wonderfully integrated and vivacious. Very smart and Margaux - nothing too sweet or ripe but beautifully integrated. Great success! Real structure but with polish too. Lovely wine.