Chateau Palmer 3eme Cru 1990

Parker: Medium saturated color with the first hint of amber at the rim. Exuberant, generous nose has us riveted in our seats in awe. Scents recall ripe cherries and blackberries, candied citrus fruits (similar to mature Sauternes), violet, coffee, cedar, ginger, and mint. Equally wonderful in the mouth; smooth, mellow, and totally seductive. The 1990 has silky tannins and terrific mouth feel. The finish is extra long, exotic, with oriental spice at the end. In sum, this was the “wine of the night” – until we came to the 1989! 97/100 (2011)

Jane Anson: Velvety tannins, perfumed floral nose, opening to cedar, mint leaf, red cherry puree, all expanding outwards through the palate, with finely boned tannins adding a touch of control. Plenty of tertiary notes of truffles, campfire smoke and saffron-laced spices, but the fruit is still very much in tact. As it opens further you get intense aromatics of violet and exotic spices. You could sit with this for hours, just enjoying how finessed Cabernet Sauvignon can become with age – and how the clay that underpins the gravels on so much of Palmer’s vineyard has helped keep freshness. Exceptional, and it has been delivering at this level for at least a decade. Unusual for Palmer to have all four varieties in the blend (Cabernet Franc is the one that is typically missing), giving an extra reason to mark out the 1990 vintage. Harvest September 18 to October 6. Same owners as today – a joint venture between the Mahler-Besse and Sichel families. 96/100 (2021)