2015 Bordeaux – Palmer & Feytit-Clinet

by Charles Lea

With Pomerol and Margaux as two of the most successful appellations of 2015, we have two releases of note this morning, but the big one is probably Palmer, second only to Margaux itself in Margaux, and indeed to the other firsts in the Médoc. This is a prodigious wine:

2015 CHÂTEAU PALMER 3ème Cru Classé MargauxPRIMEUR FAVOURITES £1100 per wood case of six bottles in bond / £2200 per case of 12 bottles and other sizes as per terms.

“The 2015 Palmer is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot matured into up to 70% new oak. The official start of the picking was 22 September, finishing on the 7 October with the Petit Verdot and the Cabernet Sauvignon. This has a wonderful bouquet with layers of dark cherry, boysenberry, a faint hint of dark chocolate and minerals. There is superb delineation here. The palate is medium-bodied, but this constitutes a decidedly more structured Palmer than I have encountered in recent years, perhaps a little more masculine due to the slightly higher Cabernet content. This is a classic Palmer made by winemaker Thomas Duroux, symmetrical in some way, poised and effortless on the finish. Those who like the more showy Palmer might not warm to this 2015, but this has real class and sophistication, a Palmer that will repay those with the nous to cellar it for 10-15 years. Expect it to reside at the top of my banded score.” 95 – 97/100 Neal Martin, www.erobertparker.com

Also out is Jeremy Seysses’ 

2015 CHÂTEAU FEYTIT CLINET Pomerol at £455 per wood case of 12 bottles

This small property has a lot of followers in other markets is tough to buy – so limited stock, first come first served. “Lovely, textured, restrained Pomerol from a château that deserves a bigger reputation” says Tim Atkin (95), “This is absolutely delicious and it deserves the great recognition that this wine currently attracts.” 93-95 Neal Martin.

As ever you can keep up to date with all releases from #Bdx15 on our Recent Releases page.