Château Palmer - Margaux 2003

Wine Advocate

89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe8/29/2014

In the southern Medoc, 2003 was more of a hit-or-miss vintage than in St.-Julien, Pauillac or St.-Estephe. Palmer’s 2003 exhibits sweet licorice, mulberry and black cherry notes along with notions of roasted herbs and rustic tannins. It does not possess the velvety, refined tannins of great vintages of Palmer over the last ten or so years. Nevertheless, it is still alive and is capable of lasting another 5-7 years.

Wine Advocate

89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/24/2006

This estate’s grand vin and second wine have both benefited immensely from stricter selections. The 2003 vintage’s heat and drought stressed this vineyard’s light soils, resulting in an atypical Palmer. The 2003 Palmer possesses a dark ruby/purple color, high, austere tannins, less flesh and mid-palate than usual, medium body, and a flowery black currant-scented bouquet. It lacks the extra dimension required aromatically, texturally, and flavor-wise to achieve their normal quality level. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020.

Wine Spectator

90 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe3/31/2006

Blackberry, licorice and tar follow through to a full-bodied palate, with firm, silky tannins and a medium berry and vanilla aftertaste. Juicy wine. Best after 2008. 6,000 cases made.

Wine Advocate

88-90 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/29/2005

Chateau Palmer suffered in the heat and drought of 2003. The 2003 Palmer seems to be becoming more awkward as opposed to more seamless in its evolution in barrel. High, austere tannins, a chalky, shrill edge, and an atypical rusticity are cause for concern. This offering possesses a roasted character, a deep ruby/purple color, some sweet fruit on the attack, but then the abundant as well as astringent tannins take over. It is not up to the quality level of the brilliant 2002, 2001, 2000, or 1999.

Wine Spectator

89-91 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe6/30/2004

Smells New World, with light jam, vanilla and spice. A little atypical--full-bodied, supersoft and delicious. Luscious and velvety, with a long, hot finish. Perhaps better after a year in barrel.

Wine Advocate

88-91 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/29/2004

The 2003 Palmer exhibits an evolved style along with a deep ruby/purple-tinged color, sexy, complex aromatics, and medium body. While it lacks the great depth this estate achieved in the last three vintages, it should be delicious upon release, and age for 15+ years. A blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 12% Petit Verdot and made from extremely low yields of 25 hectoliters per hectare, it is a wine of undeniable finesse, fruit, and elegance. Although it does not possess the weight and power of Palmer’s finest vintages, if its mid-palate fills out a bit, it will be an outstanding effort. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2018.