NV Château Palmer Historical XIXth Century Blend L.20.10.

Community Tasting Notes (7) Avg Score: 91.2 points

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  2/23/2024 - englishman's claret wrote: 92 Points

  Palmer’s XIX blend uses about 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 10% Syrah (Hermitage from an anonymous supplier). It’s an interesting concept that harkens back to the era when under ripeness might be mitigated by adding Hermitage for color and flavor.
  
  But does the wine in the glass actually speak to an era of claret which needed to be Hermitagé? Probably not. In stark contrast to the wines that prompted the practice, there’s no problem with ripeness here, the depth of blueberry fruit attesting to that. I’m also not sure that the other Margaux elements (black coffee, cocoa, and a violet note which begrudgingly finds its way out of the glass eventually) are improved by the back olive, furry game notes imparted by the minority of Syrah. Though the Syrah only comprises about 10% of the assemblage, it doesn’t always feel that way and sometimes the alcohol shows through a bit too much.
  
  A tasty wine? Certainly, if a little quirky. One that speaks to the history of Bordeaux? Probably not. For that, something like the 2007 or 2013 might actually be more interesting.

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  9/5/2023 - remyworldpeace wrote: 91 Points

  V similar to previous note.

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  7/18/2023 - remyworldpeace wrote: 92 Points

  Opened up quite nicely to show red cherry, blackberry and touch of blackcurrant. Darker undertones and a touch of dark chocolate. Peppery notes from Syrah.
  
  Much better than last time but I'd still struggle to buy this over any other Bordeaux especially for the price.

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  3/2/2022 - remyworldpeace Does not like this wine: 86 Points

  Dark purple. Nice nose: red fruits and plum along with distinctive spices and peppery notes from the Syrah.
  
  The Syrah certainly added a density to the wine along with some leathery notes and treacle jaminess. Rather overpowering of the Bordeaux blend to the extent that you could only really get hints of the fruit one would expect in claret, and very little of the tertiary notes.
  
  Overall this rather lacked balance. Too tannic despite the 2+hour decant and while this softened with more time in glass, it still tasted rather "alcoholic" to the extent that I was surprised it was only a 13% ABV. Not particularly smooth.
  
  While I was glad to try this unusual wine, I was not very impressed. It didn't taste too different to how I would imagine mixing a cheap claret with a cheap Rhône wine. Thankfully I didn't pay for the bottle as it would be terrible value and better to spend one's money elsewhere.

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  10/8/2021 - frenchiecagowine Likes this wine:

  60 years of Chateau Palmer (Torali): Very cool to taste something so unique. The Syrah certainly gives a deeper color to the wine with subtle purple hues. The wine seemed fuller, more floral and meaty as well, with a silky texture. This drinks very well right now and may have some upside from here.

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