1979 Palmer

The 1979 Palmer is a vintage that I had never tasted previously. I was not sure about the cleanliness on the nose, touches of mushroom and mothballs slightly obfuscating the fruit vis-à-vis the 1971 and 1976. The palate is better with fine tannins, gentle grip and light ferrous-tinged red fruit. It's fresh though missing some depth and substance towards the finish. It actually ends on a high note. I suspect another bottle might be better. Tasted at the Palmer vertical at the château.

I have rated this wine higher in the past. While it is still one of the finest wines of the vintage, it has been slow to completely unfold since its showy days in cask. The wine reveals a healthy deep ruby color, and a dusty, earthy component to its otherwise attractive plum, blackcurrant, and licorice-scented nose. Medium-bodied, with excellent concentration and crisp, high acidity, this well-structured, austere style of Palmer appears to be more closed and less flattering than it was several years ago. I thought it would be fully mature, but as this tasting indicates, it should be held for another 1-3 years; drink it through the first decade of the next century. Will it turn out to be as good as I predicted? Last tasted, 5/93.

I have rated this wine higher in the past. While it is still one of the finest wines of the vintage, it has been slow to completely unfold since its showy days in cask. The wine reveals a healthy deep ruby color, and a dusty, earthy component to its otherwise attractive plum, blackcurrant, and licorice-scented nose. Medium-bodied, with excellent concentration and crisp, high acidity, this well-structured, austere style of Palmer appears to be more closed and less flattering than it was several years ago. I thought it would be fully mature, but as this tasting indicates, it should be held for another 1-3 years; drink it through the first decade of the next century. Will it turn out to be as good as I predicted? Last tasted, 5/93. Aug 1993, www.robertparker.com