Tasted at the Château Palmer vertical in London, the 2006 Palmer "19th Century Blend" was served blind (readers should note that because of the addition of Hermitage in the blend, there is no specification of vintage on the label). It has an intense fruit-driven nose with surfeit blueberry and mulberry fruit. The Syrah just imparts a sense of warmth that would not have been perceptible in the regular cuvée. The palate is full-bodied and dense in the mouth, slightly viscous with a pleasant saline note on the finish. I just feel that the Syrah takes away more than it gives, just blunting the finish a little, erasing a bit of detail. Nevertheless, it remains an intriguing hybrid and it will be fascinating to see how it ages. Tasted May 2015. 2018 - 2035
