1982 Palmer, Margaux

“Incredible aromatics, floral and expressive, jumping out the glass and one of the most inviting on the nose in terms of scents with sour cherries, sweet tobacco, cedar and mint. Juicy, alive and vibrant on the palate, this has energy and focus straight away. Lively but well controlled, still offering lots of opulent polish but in a serene, charming way. This has tension and grip as well as bounce and a subtle chew to the tannins. A lingering headiness sustains the finish with moreish accents of salt, graphite and flint - this is seductive and nowhere near tired. Claude and Yves Chardon were in charge for the 1982 vintage. (GH)” (05/2023)

“At this point in Palmer's history, the estate was being run by Peter Sichel, and was under the ownership of, as today, the Sichel and Mahler-Besse families. You can clearly tell that the heatwave in July, and the hot dry harvest (although with a damp August and ealy September) suited these grapes. The aromatics are still sedutively rich, the colour more brick-tinged than the 1983. Soft end of summer raspberries, along with clear iodine notes that give a saline lick on the finish. 3% Petit Verdot finishes the blend. Harvest September 15 to October 5. (for Decanter)” (07/2018)

“Full, deep red. Spicy aromas of cassis and rose petal, with a whiff of meat. Then wonderfully penetrating and classy, with bright acidity giving the wine superb clarity and thrust. This has terrific structure. Finishes very long and fine, with excellent grip. By far the finest bottle I've tasted to date of this wine, and one of the real surprises of the tasting.” (07/2002)

“This is 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. There is just a moderate tawny tinge to this wine. The nose shouts class, with a combination of floral elegance and power, together with lots of blackcurrant fruit with a gravel, mineral and cordite edge. Gorgeous texture on the palate, amazing structure, and beautifully balanced. Lots of tarry yet fine fruit. A harmonious wine, which undoubtedly has years ahead of it. I felt the combination of elegance with power should have made this wine easy to identify blind. 18.5/20 points” (04/2002)

“A well-crafted red with beautiful structure. Dark ruby-garnet in color, with a lot of violet and earth aromas. Full-bodied, with loads of silky tannins and a long, sweet fruit finish. Has always been outstanding.” (11/1998)