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Palmer 1989

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Margaux
ColourRed
TypeStill
Grape VarietyCabernet Sauvignon/Merlot

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Label

Tasting Notes

One of the superstars of the vintage, Palmer's 1989 retains a dark plum/purple color with some pink and a hint of amber creeping in at the time. A big nose of charcoal, white flowers (acacia?), licorice, plums, and black currants comes from the glass of this elegant, medium- to full-bodied, very concentrated, seamlessly made wine. Gorgeous, seemingly fully mature, yet brilliantly balanced, this wine may well turn out to be a modern-day clone of the glorious 1953. Anticipated maturity now-2020

95
Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book (4), December 2003

"The 1989 Palmer has vied with the 1983 as the highlight of the decade, so it is fascinating to revisit it at 30 years old. It has a wonderful bouquet of degraded red berry fruit, singed leather and hints of game and mint, beautifully defined and still so fresh, yet undeniably old-school in style. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and still brimming with vigor, delivering a fine bead of acidity and a touch of cracked black pepper. A very detailed, engaging finish urges you back for another sip. A brilliant Palmer, and judging from this showing, it has another two decades of pleasure to give. Tasted from an ex-cellar bottle at the château." Drink: 2019 - 2045

97
Neal Martin, vinous.com, September 2019

Deep ruby color at the center, with a red edge. Shows lovely floral, berry and plum aromas and hints of earth. Full-bodied and chewy, with masses of tannins and a long, sweet and ripe berry aftertaste. Just peeking through the curtain. Great potential. Muscular-style Palmer.--1989 Bordeaux horizontal. Best after 2000.

93
James Suckling, Wine Spectator, May 1999
95
Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book (3), November 1998

Palmer's 1989 is one of the vintage's great successes. The wine exhibits a dark ruby/purple color and a sweet jammy nose of black fruits intermingled with floral scents, licorice and a touch of truffles. Full bodied and supple, with low acidity, copious quantities of ripe fruit and glycerin, and a medium-to-full bodied, concentrated, harmonious, seamless texture, this is a gorgeous Palmer. It may turn out similar to this estate's brilliant 1962 and 1953. Although approachable, it will improve for another decade and last for 20-25 years. Last tasted, 11/96.

Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.