Finesse and elegance, typical of the great wines of Margaux, are the trademarks of Chateau Palmer. The unusual combination of grape varieties for a classified Left Bank wine–as much Merlot as Cabernet Sauvignon and a small amount of Petit Verdot–gives Chateau Palmer a bouquet of extraordinary complexity, with fruit, flowers, and spice wrapped in a fleshy and generous structure. The subtle balance between aromatic richness and powerful, yet always restrained, tannins makes Palmer charming even when very young.

The grapes are fermented separately by variety and plot in 54 conical, stainless steel vats. The wine then ages 18 to 21 months in French oak barrels, less than 50% new.

The 2005 Château Palmer, a Bordeaux Blend from the esteemed Margaux sub-region in France, is a red wine of notable complexity and depth. This vintage is composed primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and a small portion of Petit Verdot, showcasing a robust profile that sets it apart from many left bank properties.

The wine has garnered high praise from various reviewers, with several scores reaching into the high 90s. Neal Martin from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate describes it as a "legend in the making," highlighting its "pixelated bouquet" and "enthralling symmetry," awarding it a score of 97. He notes its potential for long-term aging, suggesting it could rival other notable vintages like 2009 and 2010.

Jane Anson offers the most glowing review, scoring it a perfect 100 and commending its "finesse and balance" with a "serious kick." She describes the wine as "impossible to stop smiling after," emphasizing its promising development as it begins to open up.

The Wine Independent also praises the 2005 Palmer, giving it a score of 99. They note its "seductively velvety tannins" and "fantastic length," underscoring its potential to mature beautifully over the next few decades.

Meanwhile, Jeb Dunnuck calls it "utterly brilliant," awarding it a 98 and appreciating its "beautifully textured" nature and "flawless tannins." He suggests it is currently drinking spectacularly well but expects it to evolve gracefully over the next 20 years.

Wine Spectator offers a slightly more tempered review, scoring it 94 and describing it as "among the more approachable" wines of its vintage, yet maintaining a "serious" character with a "terrific iron note" on the finish.

Overall, the 2005 Château Palmer is a wine of considerable acclaim, noted for its complexity, structure, and aging potential. It stands as a testament to the power and elegance that Château Palmer consistently delivers.