2009 Chateau Palmer

Deep garnet colored, the 2009 Palmer delivers a beguiling array of black fruit—warm plums, cassis and black cherry compote—with kirsch and wild sage sparks plus profound suggestions of fragrant earth, black truffles, iron ore and liquid licorice. Full-bodied, rich and decadently seductive in the mouth, the generous fruit is superbly framed with plush tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. ~ (98) Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 3-14-2019

This is on another level from most in the appellation, with gorgeous layers of warm currant confiture, smoldering tobacco, licorice snap, warm paving stone and anise all framed by tarry but integrated grip. Stays sleek and well-defined through the finish. Should age beautifully. Best from 2015 through 2030. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 9,500 cases made. ~ (95) James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 3-31-2012

Soy, liqourice, tar, white pepper and baked earth, this remains young and taut, with a punch of cassis, bilberry and fleshy black damson fruits. You reach out and touch the tannins, they are so velvety and rippled. Not as effortlessly balanced as the 2005, this has more of an exuberant character, with chocolate and turmeric spice rippling through the fruits, and a mouthwatering crushed mint leaf finish. You can approach this now with a good few hours in a carafe, but it will improve further with another few years in bottle. Harvest September 23 to October 14, 60% new oak. One hectare of the vineyard was tested in biodynamic farming in this vintage. ~ (97) Jane Anson, Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux 12-7-2021

This has such class and power. Aromas of blueberries and blackberries, with hints of violets. Full-bodied, with polished tannins and a juicy finish. Solid and extremely pretty. Fabulous finish. Try in 2020. ~ (98) James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 3-2-2012

Dark purplish crimson. Nose is not one of the most itense but the wine is very creamy and pretty on the palate (thank you, Merlot). Definitely sweet and chracteristic of 2009 but not over the top. A thoroughly hedonistic wine. ~ (17) Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com 10-5-2023

I've been lucky enough to have the 2009 Château Palmer numerous times over the past handful of years, and it continues to be a primordial yet heavenly wine every time, revealing a deep purple color as well as an incredibly powerful bouquet of blackcurrants, black cherry liqueur, smoked tobacco, graphite, crushed stone, and chocolate. Possessing full-bodied richness and a massive, dense, incredibly powerful style (not far off the 2018), it gains elegance and finesse with time in the glass, has ultra-fine tannins, and one hell of a finish. This magical Palmer needs another decade to hit maturity and will evolve for 50+ years or more. ~ (99) Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com 11-23-2020

The 2009 Palmer has a beautifully defined bouquet with bright black cherry and boysenberry fruit, crushed stone and rose petal. Not as decadent as the bottle poured at the BI tasting, yet precise. The palate is medium-bodied with supple and refined tannin, and crisp acidity. Wonderfully poised with quite a penetrating finish that delivers a payload of multi-layered blueberry and blackberry. This is a very well crafted 2009 Margaux destined for long-term ageing. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting. ~ (96) Neal Martin, Vinous 3-1-2019