Chateau Palmer 3eme Cru 1996

Falstaff : Strong ruby with purple reflections and broader rim brightening. Ripe, red berry confit, fresh cherry, a touch of tar, some liquorice, tobacco, black cherry and candied orange zest. Juicy, notes of liquorice, vital on the palate, highly elegant and balanced, has reached a first drinking maturity, good length, does not seem a trace too concentrated, silky, very appellation typical, wonderful to drink now. 95/100

Robert Parker: Tasted at the Château Palmer vertical in London, the 1996 Château Palmer is a wine that never quite fulfilled its potential. There is satisfactory fruit intensity on the nose, blackberry and truffle, a touch of vanilla and violet developing with time in the glass. The palate still feels a little backward, but there is good grip and freshness. This is a harmonious 1996 Margaux and yet it feels conservative and straight-laced on the tobacco-infused finish. It is quite a "serious" Palmer, yet it does not quite back it up in terms of complexity or, for want of a better word, "soul." Good...but you end up wanting more, especially having tasted the likes of 2000, 2005 and 2010 alongside.91/100 (2016)