Iris and violet aromatics swirl out of the glass. In the mouth, things are velvet in texture and packed with concentrated cassis puree and blackberry fruit, gentle spice, soft charcoal and sappy tannins, with the whole thing just slowly slowly expanding and building through the palate, tightening its grip as it reaches the close of play. The Palmer signature of energy and precision is here in spades, and altogether the wine is both measured and elegant, with textbook floral Margaux character, while being extremely juicy, creamy and enjoyable, with a mouthwatering salinity on the finish - up there with the very best vintages of this estate. Low SO2, as has been the case for a few years now in line with biodynamic principles. Back to normal yield this year of (a very welcome I would imagine) 45hl/ha. Harvest September 19 to October 19. 60% new oak, likely to be in barrels for the first year then large sized oak casks for the second year. 55% of overall production in the 1st wine. 98 points

53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot. Barrel sample. A joyous wine that bristles with zest and energy. Clearly not the super-concentration of the 2018 (when the mildew-reduced yield was only 11 hl/ha), but rich and profound and a degree more elegant. Morello cherry and dark-fruit aromas. Beautiful texture, the tannins present but refined. Fresh and vibrant with a long, palate-cleansing finish. 18.5 points