2000 Palmer
By Chateau Palmer
2000 Palmer from Chateau Palmer, Margaux, Bordeaux
The turn of the millennium heralded an epochal vintage for the esteemed Chateau Palmer, with the 2000 vintage arresting the senses and capturing the quintessence of Margaux terroir with grace and tenacity. In my four decades of wine criticism, few vintages have garnered such unanimous commendation as this regal blend.
A Vintage Par Excellence
In the 2000 Palmer from Chateau Palmer, we see an assembly of meteorological serendipity and viticultural prowess. With a generous winter preceding a splendidly dry summer, the grapes achieved optimal ripeness symbolizing the chateau’s ambition and the year’s potential. The result is a libation that encapsulates the region's signature nuances and depth.
Oenological Investment
The essence of wine investment rests on rarity and pedigree, and the 2000 Palmer sits comfortably at this pinnacle of desirability. Balancing structure with a burgeoning complexity, it's a wine that assures continued evolution and interest amongst investors and connoisseurs. Its robust tannic backbone suggests longevity, while its current drinking window offers immediate gratification —a dual charm for any discerning portfolio.
Distinctive Elegance
Upon decanting, this vintage reveals layers of aromatic plumes; cassis, truffle, and violets mingle with subtle tobacco notes in a tapestry of olfactory delight. The palate is greeted with an opulent blend of dark fruit flavours interwoven with hints of chocolate and coffee, all supported by a delicate acidity that makes each sip an exploration in balanced finesse.
The 2000 Palmer from Chateau Palmer delivers a sensory experience reminiscent of velvet — plush yet structured to perfection. With two decades behind it, I find it acts as a time capsule capturing both the character of the vintage and the timeless allure of Margaux's grand terroir.
In summary, the 2000 Palmer is a beacon among Bordeaux vintages — a definitive choice for those looking to enrich their collection with a wine that encapsulates both an extraordinary year and the legendary craftsmanship of Chateau Palmer.
Market price (USD)
$4,350.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
237.33
Scores and tasting notes
One of the sexiest wines for drinking now and over the next 10-15 years is undoubtedly the 2000 Palmer. A blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, the wine has an almost exotic floral nose, soft, undulating tannins, and tremendous opulence and flesh, with a full-bodied mouthfeel, silky tannins, and loads of floral notes intermixed with blue and black fruits as well as hints of smoke and incense in its complex aromatics. This wine is drinking beautifully and should continue to do so for up to two more decades.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #189 June 2010
I love the blackberries, plums, chocolate, and cedar on the nose here. Full and rich, with a tobacco, sweet berry, and milk chocolate character. Very long and beautiful, this has velvety tannins and just about ready to open like a beautiful rose. Give this another five years to finish opening up. Pull the cork in 2015.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, May 29th 2012
Tasted blind at Bordeaux Index’s 2000 tasting in London. This Palmer 2000 is more extroverted and precocious on the nose: succulent red-berried fruit, leather, melted tar and melted dark chocolate with a patina of black truffle/mushroom. Good definition. It has a sweet, ripe entry that is fleshier compared to its peers, fine tannins, good weight with well-integrated, glossy oak. Raspberry and wild strawberry interlaced with cedar, smoke and tobacco, yet it remains a lithesome, winsome wine. This is more approachable than other 2000s, but make no mistake, the quality and breeding is evident. Drink 2014-2040. Tasted March 2010.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Sep 2010
Tasted at the Château Palmer vertical in London, the 2000 Château Palmer was closed for a number of years, but it appears to be finally opening. Deep in colour, there remains a slight broodiness on the nose, although it loses its inhibitions and develops potent blackberry, strawberry and mint aromas, perhaps just a smudge of camphor. It is unashamedly rich on the entry: intense and vibrant with layers of black cherry and cassis fruit pierced by a fine line of acidity. This millennial tightens everything up towards the, finish whereupon it reverts to something much more classic in style, long and tensile. It does not quite occupy the same class as the 2005 or the imperial 2010, but it certainly has long-term potential. My advice? Give it another 4-5 years in the cellar. Tasted May 2015.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 29 May 2016