The 2012 Palmer`s inky/purple color is more saturated than most Margaux`s, and it offers complex notes of blackberries, cassis, licorice, truffle and spring flowers. The wine is dense, rich and full-bodied with a muscular appeal, but the tannins, as high as they are, are sweet and well-integrated. None of the new oak used during the wine`s upbringing is noticeable. Interestingly, this wine showed no evidence of dilution from the October 7-9 rainfall. I suspect it will require 3-4 years of cellaring, and should last for two decades. 92-95 points

Tasted from a barrel sample at en primeur. The Palmer was picked between 1st and 15th October at just 28hl/ha because of the previous vintage since the vines had been pruned back to four buds per vine. A blend of 48% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot, the Grand Vin is very opulent on the nose for the vintage, the merlot much more expressive than the Cabernet with nascent scents of crushed violet. The palate is medium-bodied w ith thick juicy tannins, a crisp citric line of acidity and a sense of weight and solidity on the tightly-coiled finish. This Palmer will probably need several years bottle age. Certainly a very good grip on the finish with a marine like aftertaste. 92-94 points

Beautiful dark purplish crimson. Nose of mature fruit – a touch discreet. Plump on entry, bursting with fruit in the middle, then more powerful and melting over generous fat. Complex, dense and voluptuous wine that unfurls on the palate through to a delicately threaded and particularly juicy finish. Wonderfully lingering, utterly delicious and with the compelling smoothness of the vintage. Stunning. 95 points

Palmer’s negligible price drop, partly justified by low yields of 28 hectolitres per hectare, may not make it the bargain of the vintage in 2012, but this is still a special wine. Highly aromatic, showing sweet, slightly overt vanilla oak, red berry and cassis fruit and more tannin than appears at first. 94 points