Iris, violets, and roses might start the aromatics, but that's not all there is, as you also find cherries, currants, dried flowers, and hints of spice, which are all front and center. The palate, however, is the star of the show. The combination of vibrant, sweet, ripe, clean, and pure fruits, coupled with its vivid energy, drives the long, seamless, elegant, and sensuous finish. There is concentration and power, but everything is so refined that it is not something you notice. The finish starts off slowly, building into a crescendo of perfectly ripe fruits. The key to the vintage was the late-August rains, which allowed for lower alcohol and better fruit maturity. The wine blends 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 41% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot. 13.5 % ABV, 3.7 pH. The yields were small at 20 hectoliters. The harvest took place from September 4 to September 25. This is the earliest start to a harvest in the history of the estate. Drink from 2030-2070. - 98 to 100 Points - Jeff Leve

Palmer's bouquet unfolds with its characteristic elegance, revealing aromas of currants and violets, followed by hints of orange peel, Sichuan pepper, and licorice. Smooth on the palate, the wine embarks on an elegant and subtle journey. It emphasizes finesse while benefiting from tannins that lend vigor and breadth, supported by a crisp, mouthwatering acidity that brings freshness. This Palmer underscores its identity, its uniqueness, its desire to shine through its delicacy, grace, serenity, and humility. It knows it is great, but it leaves that conclusion to each individual. When finesse takes precedence over power, greatness is undeniable! 2030-2060 - 98 to 100 Points - Yves Beck

Deep dark ruby garnet, violet reflections, delicate edge brightening. Black berry fruit, a hint of cassis, delicate nougat, subtle spice, inviting bouquet. Complex, juicy, black cherries, fine extract sweetness, ripe tannins, mineral aftertaste, nougat touch on the finish, great length, sure maturity potential, seductive style. - Peter Moser

One of the most refined and seamless wines of the vintage is the 2025 Palmer, a blend of 55% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot that wafts from the glass with aromas of sweet blackberries, plums and licorice complemented by floral accents of violet and wisteria (yes, the window of the tasting room was closed). Full-bodied, suave and layered, with a deep and concentrated core of fruit, bright acids and supple tannins, it's already harmonious and complete, concluding with a long, penetrating finish. At only 13.5% alcohol, this is quite a bit lower than most recent sunny vintages at Palmer. - 97 to 99 Points - William Kelley

The nose of Palmer is profound and complex, a whole basket of dark berries pairs with freshly picked thyme and violet blossoms; dense and fleshy on the attack, it becomes leaner and more vertical on the mid-palate, the ripe fruit dueling with a massive tannic structure, the tannins are perfectly ripe, giving grip and carrying the wine into an elegant, red-fruited finish. Monumental, powerful and yet fresh, this is one of the most impressive and at the same time most paradoxical Palmers I have ever tasted. (Drink from 2032 to 2065) - 97 to 99 Points - Adrian Van Velsen