Chateau Palmer 3eme Cru 1986

Jancis Robinson: 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. 17/20 (2009)

Jeff Leve: Better on the nose, with its earthy, tobacco, cigar box, cedar and cherry character, than on the palate, which like many wines from this vintage is on the strict side. This is a wine for consumers that prefer their Bordeaux on the classic side of the style range. The wine was made from a blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. The harvest took place from October 2 to October 16. 91/100 (2016)