This stunning wine is one of the vintage’s great successes. Administrator Thomas Duroux has fashioned a modern day version of Palmer’s brilliant 1966. Displaying a rare combination of power and elegance, this dense purple-colored offering exhibits notes of blackberries, truffles, flowers, incense, and camphor. Long, classic, and medium to full-bodied with stunning texture and richness, this superb effort is a candidate for the finest Margaux of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2025+. Also tasted: 2004 Alter Ego de Palmer (88)

I appreciated this supple, elegant wine with its approachable blackberry and blackcurrant fruit aromas touched with hints of fresh flowers, saddle leather, and spice. The texture seemed slightly restrained, with silky tannins and balanced acidity, but the finesse stood out. It was perhaps too understated to make a powerful impression on some of the tasters, but I felt it showed well and would continue to age with grace.