In 2020, the vines budded two weeks earlier than the long-term average. The spring was characterized by very high amounts of precipitation in March and, as a result, a lot of work in the vineyard to keep mildew at bay. From mid-May warm temperatures throughout the summer, virtually no rain, so dry in August that the vines have to be as old and as deep-rooted as Palmer's to cope with it: the average age of the first wine is a good 45 years. Much closer to the 2018 in terms of warmth and structure than to the highly elegant, very fresh 2019. With 48% each in equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot in the cuvée. Palmer has the reputation of a fragrant Troisième Grand Cru Classé, characterized by a high proportion of Merlot fruit and very easy to drink, which actually plays in a much higher league than the classification reflects. This style is confirmed again this year. Dark fruity, very ripe fruit of elderberry and blackberry, enormous amounts of tannin, significantly more than in previous vintages, but still surprisingly soft and full-bodied. Ripe acidity, lots of creaminess and opulence, dark chocolate, tobacco, subtle saltiness on the finish. As FALSTAFF put it so beautifully: "A chunk, packed in cotton wool." Supplied in a 6-piece wooden box.