Palmer 1996

Margaux, Third Growth

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Tasting Notes

55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc (last Cabernet Franc at Palmer), 40% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot. Cooler but sunny summer. Great Cabernet in this vintage in Bordeaux generally. A more classic Palmer. Deep youthful garnet. Open, sweet dark and spiced fruit. Smell the sun. Spice and truffles coming through as it opens up. You can still smell the sweet toasty oak though this was not the first vintage of new vats. Rich sweet pure fruit. Firm but rounded tannins and long aromatic finish. Fine cedary aftertaste. Very pure and direct and frank, some herbaceousness adding aroma but not greenness. (17+ Points)

Score: 17

Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2007-2022 28 September 2009

Compared to the ’95 Palmer, this is more reticent on the nose with more secondary aromas: fresh tobacco, sandalwood, leather and a slight clayey scent that turns overtly chocolaty with 20-30 minutes in glass. Good definition though and the palate does not disappoint. Medium-bodied, perhaps slightly aggressive tannins, particularly compared to the ’95, a little angular towards the finish with cedar, strawberry and stoned fruits (dates and a touch of fresh fig) right on the end. Again, it needs more time and the ’95 seems to have more breeding, but this remains a worthy Palmer that just needs to loosen up and enjoy itself a bit. Drink 2010-2025. Tasted March 2008.

Score: 92

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2010-2025 01 January 2009

Gorgeous aromas of currant and flowers follow through to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a medium finish. A little more bottle age will open it even more. Very pretty.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2008.

Score: 90

James Suckling, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2008+ 01 January 2007

Mid crimson. Very light nose and slightly green, raw notes. Raw tannins. Edgy and no fun.

Score: 15

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2009-2012 18 October 2006

Full ruby-red. Lower-toned aromas of boysenberry, mulberry, plum, tobacco, star anise and roasted oak. Vinous and rather tough in the mouth, with strong acid spine. This was harder to view than most '96s on my recent tour. Finishes with rather tough tannins. In an awkward stage following the bottling last July. (89+ points)

Score: 89

Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 01 May 1999

This wine, a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, is performing well after its July, 1998 bottling. It boasts an impressively saturated purple color, in addition to a backward yet intense nose of black plums, currants, licorice, and smoke. Following terrific fruit on the attack, the wine's structure and tannin take over. There is plenty of sweet fruit, and the tannin is well-integrated, but the wine requires 7-8 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2028.

Score: 91

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2007-2028 30 April 1999