Andrew Jefford | Dark black-red. The Palmer is aromatically quite quiet at this stage of the evolutionary trajectory; there is some sombre blackcurrant and blackberry, a little plum too, some white pepper, and the scented moistness of wells or wet stones. An earthiness, too. Broody and dark, and it remains so even after 15 minutes in the glass. On the palate, this is certainly the most concentrated of the wines from this commune that we are looking at, and it has splendid purity and depth of fruit. Those fruits (plum, damson, and elder as much as blackcurrant) are both ripe and vivid, juicy and fresh. There are beautifully polished tannins—though nothing in this wine is grippy; indeed, the middle-palate is, above all, fruity rather than richly textured. It is 2014, after all. Rauzan-Ségla has more aromatic finesse, at least at this stage, and perhaps finer textures; Palmer unquestionably has more concentrated fruit and a more ample and resonant sense of ripeness. Both are fine wines and very true to the commune ideals. Perhaps Palmer will merit a higher score once its aromas rouse themselves (or swim together after an hour in the decanter). 2018–30. | 93

Michael Schuster | Dense, complex, ripe-fruited, and mineral to smell—you sense a “packed” quality just on the nose; rich, concentrated, fresh, very finely tannic, a most complete constitution; deep, without being “strong” fully, freshly ripe, both gently fleshy and very refined in texture, an almost juicy quality to the fruit, but also subtle, refined, long, and complex, and with great fruit and aroma length. A lovely combination of seductive fruit and classy complexity. You could drink with pleasure already, but that would be a pity. Give it a decade at least. Great sensitivity in the winemaking. 2028–40+. | 95