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Tasting notes
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.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
This wine goes from strength to strength, and is certainly a candidate for “wine of the vintage.” It has surpassed even Chateau Margaux in recent tastings. The color is an opaque plum/purple. The wine has a fabulously complex nose of smoked duck, white flowers, cedar, Asian spice, creme de cassis, melted licorice, and espresso. Super-concentrated, very powerful, full-bodied, and huge, this is undeniably, one of the biggest, most concentrated, and powerful Palmers made in the last 40 years. The wines has thrown off the rugged tannins that were so prominent during its first 10-15 years of life and has become increasingly seamless and compelling. Potentially this wine remains the most extraordinary Palmer after the 1961. Anticipated maturity: Now-2020. Last tasted, 10/02. Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book January 2003
Tasted at the Chateau Palmer vertical in London, this was the finest 1983 Chateau 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. May 2016, www.robertparker.com
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.