A typical Palmer showing finesse alongside strength. I love the blackberry, plum, chocolate and cedar character. It's very long and beautiful. The velvety, textured tannins are impressive.

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.

At this stage, this is very closed, very tight, giving little. But it is possible to discern that this is going to be a beautiful wine. There are flavors of sweet raisins and the fruit has a new world richness, but the structure of dry tannins is always present. It looks as though it has a good, long life.

This takes time to unwind, but then it explodes with fruit and powerful, yet silky tannins. Perfumed and rich, with berry, cherry and tobacco character. Full-bodied, with super-well-integrated tannins and a reduced, refined palate structure. It's compacted and powerful. Very racy wine.