1986 Palmer
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Tasting notes
The 1986 Palmer is deeper in color than the 1985. I was not sure about the nose here. It's a little smudged and unfocused, improving with aeration, however, with black fruit, soy and touches of shoe polish. Not the best bottle, in my opinion. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, slightly drier than the 1985. It's focused and fresh, though, for me, this is missing the flamboyance and flair that Palmer should bring. In terms of pleasure, the 1985 wins hands down. A bit dour within the scheme of things? Tasted at the Palmer vertical at the château.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Tasted at the Château Palmer vertical in London, the 1986 Château Palmer might not embrace you like the 1985, and yet it remains a Margaux with pedigree. It offers blackcurrant pastilles, raspberry and cedar on the nose, violets unfurling with time in the glass, guiding the drinker to its appellation of origin. The palate is medium-bodied and well balanced, as expected, more austere and reserved than the 1985, but with fine backbone and an attractive masculine, tobacco-infused finish that is precise and long. It is not in the same class as the 1989, but it has clearly reached its drinking plateau and should continue there for at least another decade. Tasted May 2015.
41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc . Sweeter and more plummy on the nose than the 1985. More cedary but also cassis and dark chocolate/mocha. Seems far more youthful than the 1985. More primary dark fruit. Firmer, fuller and less perfumed but still with a fine freshness. Fine-grained tannins still have some grip though they taste fully ripe. More powerful than the 1985, less scented but more fruit. Grip on the finish is just a little dry. (JH)
By Palmer's more precocious standards, the 1986 is tightly-knit and closed. It reveals an impressive dark ruby/purple color, with a slight lightening at the edge. Aromatically, the wine is tight, with some black fruit, floral, truffle, and cigar box scents emerging after extended breathing. On the palate, the wine possesses excellent ripeness and richness, but all of it is submerged under layers of high tannin. The wine has been going through a compressed, ungracious stage, and seems destined for a far shorter life than I originally projected. Like so many of the 1986 Medocs, this effort from Palmer has the capacity to test its purchasers' patience. The wine will not be a great Palmer, but I have high hopes that it is going to merit the affixed numerical score, and perhaps even turn out to be outstanding. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2015. Last tasted 9/97. Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition # B1
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.