1959 Palmer

The 1959 Palmer is a Margaux of renown, albeit one eclipsed by the peerless 1961. This bottle testified to the awe that it has invoked in some of my friends, the best bottle that I have tasted. The first word that I jotted down? “Wow”. The aromatics soar from the glass with intense blackberry, cassis, juniper berry and violets that brilliantly defined and display astonishing focus. The palate is perfectly balanced with sweet and filigree tannin. This Margaux is that paradoxical blend of power and elegance, the archetypal iron fist in a velvety glove. The purity of the wine remarkable. Yes, maybe you could quibble that there is a touch of volatility on the finish that would not be evident on the 1961 but otherwise, this is a majestic Palmer that judging by this performance, will continue to drink well for many years. (NM)

Tasted at the Château Palmer vertical in London, the 1959 Château Palmer was tasted from two bottles, the first not showing correctly but the second more representative: fine definition and mineralité on the nose with blackberry, cold black tea and nettle, gaining intensity all the time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a surprisingly youthful, still animated keen line of acidity, although it is nowhere near as nuanced as the 1961. It does not have the flamboyance of some of the greatest 1959s, insofar that it does not possess succulent fruit. Yet it remains an impressive Palmer that will continue to cruise along its decade-spanning drinking plateau for a number of years. Tasted May 2015.