1983 Château Palmer
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Tasting notes
The 1983 Palmer is an absolute peach, though without question, it benefited from decanting. It is one of those Margaux that can feel a bit light at first, yet aeration magically gifts it with weight and density. Leaning a little more towards red fruit, the nose unfolds with tobacco and pressed flower scents, resplendent with that delineation and focus, though never powerful or intense. The palate is very harmonious and refined, understated and perhaps not displaying the fireworks you might associate with a lauded Margaux. Yet it builds in the glass, gaining depth and grip towards the subtly estuarine finish. Beautiful.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
When the 1983 Palmer flies high, it touches the stars. This is another bottle proving that at 40 years old it is better now than ever before. It is completely resplendent on the nose that blossoms in the glass with that heady concoction of red and black fruit, freshly-rolled tobacco, violet petals and an underlying mineralité . Stunning delineation and depth. The palate is medium-bodied, never a powerhouse Palmer, which means that it’s cut from a different cloth to recent vintages. It is more harmonious than London’s Gospel Choir in full song, the finish perfectly pitched and delineated. It just carries itself with effortless ease. Magnificent. Tasted blind at Pichon-Comtesse de Lalande.
When the 1983 Palmer flies high, it touches the stars. This is another bottle proving that at 40 years old it is better now than ever before. It is completely resplendent on the nose that blossoms in the glass with that heady concoction of red and black fruit, freshly-rolled tobacco, violet petals and an underlying mineralité . Stunning delineation and depth. The palate is medium-bodied, never a powerhouse Palmer, which means that it’s cut from a different cloth to recent vintages. It is more harmonious than London’s Gospel Choir in full song, the finish perfectly pitched and delineated. It just carries itself with effortless ease. Magnificent. Tasted blind at Pichon-Comtesse de Lalande.
The 1983 Palmer is also fully mature yet has plenty of fruit, length, and a seamless, elegant personality that’s truly magical. Black currants, forest floor, spice-box and tobacco notes all emerge from this silky, refined beauty that still has terrific mid-palate density and awesome length. It’s not going to get any better but should easily keep for another 7-8 years.
About the producer
Ch. Palmer is one of the finest producers in Bordeaux. The Margaux Third Growth is known for its significant plantings of old-vine Merlot, typically representing a large portion of the blend and responsible for the generous and supple style Ch. Palmer is known for.