Chateau Palmer 1983

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Tasted at the Château Palmer vertical in London, this was the finest 1983 Château Palmer that I have encountered. The nose is ethereal with wonderful definition: mint-tinged red berry fruit, cedar, dried rose petals and very subtle acrid tang of a November bonfire. It is the definition and purity that is beguiling and yes, it is reminiscent of the 1961. The palate is beautifully balanced and lithe in the mouth. Like previous bottles, there is a Burgundy-like sensibility about this Palmer, sensual in the mouth with a crystalline finish that will have you reaching for the glass for another sip. Robert Parker stated that the 1983 was the best vintage following the epochal 1961 and I completely concur. This 1983 Palmer is probably at its peak now, although I have no doubt that it will continue to cruise at high altitude for many years. Tasted May 2015."

JAMES SUCKLING: "This is one of the all-time greatest Palmers for its complexity and finesse. Intense aromas of smoked meats and dark fruits plus hints of tobacco meet a silky, almost buttery texture of great yet beautiful concentration that combines in superb balance with a plateful of fruit and still mouthwatering acidity. The tannins are round and fat, and the finish is long and mesmerizing. This is crying out to be drunk now, yet the persistent acidity should provide for at least another 10 years of possible cellaring."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "The perfume is packed with Cuban cigars, smoke, licorice, blackberries and roses. The palate is equal to the nose with its waves of concentrated black fruits, spice, tobacco, cocoa, and touch of marine influences on the elegant, refined backend."

WEINWISSER: "Tiefe, leicht trübe Farbe, immer noch satt in der Mitte. Extrem duftiges Bouquet, Musigny-Pinot-Touch, dahinter Preiselbeeren, immer noch ein Hauch Vanille, berauschend. Im Gaumen extrem fein und zugleich druckvoll, helle Malznoten, Johannisbeeren, ein bisschen Ovomaltine, extrem feine, süsslich ausstrahlende Tannine, mundfüllend, aber nicht opulent. Ein gewinnender Wein (dekantieren), der zu den besten Palmer-Jahrgängen gehört, ganz nahe bei 20/20 Punkten."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Strong ruby with a developed rim. Very subtle and delicate. This is fully mature wine! So gentle and gorgeous! Stunning sweet fruit and such concentration and length. Dense, with a hint of mint, but truly great. Strong."

JEB DUNNUCK: "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."

WINE SPECTATOR: "An outstanding Palmer, firm and solid, with great dark color and fresh plum aromas and flavors with a hint of new wood. Drinkable now, but better after 1996."