Starting with 2004, the first vintage produced with the efforts of Thomas Duroux, Palmer has shown a tremendous level of consistency. 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2010 are all superb Bordeaux wines.
The estate continues their interest in bottling wines in screw caps. Screw capped bottles of Chateau Margaux or Pavillon rouge are not commercially available. Aware of the problem that far too many wines are ruined by faulty corks, they have been experimenting with this since 2002.
Located across the street from the picturesque village of St. Emilion, the well managed Bordeaux chateau hit two home runs in a row with their 2009 and 2010 wines. Due to better sensations of freshness, I have a slight preference for the 2010,. But both vintages merit tasting.
Bordeaux deserves attention for the numerous over performing small properties that produce outstanding value Bordeaux wines. These delicious wines can be enjoyed young and they will stand up to some ageing as well.
While different in style, 2009 Lynch Bages and 2010 Lynch Bages are the first back to back successes for the Pauillac, Bordeaux wine producer since the exalted duo of 1989 and 1990.
The two most recent Chateau d’Issan vintages are both outstanding. While 2010 d’Issan is probably a slightly better, more complete Bordeaux wine, a strong case can be made for the more opulent, voluptuous style of the 2009.
Picking fruit with higher degrees of ripeness is one the key reasons for the improvements. Technical advancements have also helped. Starting with the 2010 vintage, the estate began employing the Air Tec Wine system, Viniclean and the Vistalys optical sorting machine.
