1983 Chateau Palmer, Margaux, Bottle (750ml) [High Shoulder]

JA100 "Smoky, floral and fabulous. Violet-edged, this stands out over the 1982 for its complexity of aromatics and flavours. Brambled blackberry notes meld with soft leather and liquorice, all perfectly finessed. Harvest 28 September until 13 October, around one week later than the 1982. A touch of Petit Verdot finishes up the blend. Peter Sichel, who was making the wine at the time, was convinced straight after harvest that the 1982 was better than the 1983. 'He was right,' says Thomas Duroux today. Certainly sugar levels were a touch higher than the previous year, and the fruit character generous from the earliest years." JA for DR Jul 2018

RP98 "Tasted at the Château Palmer vertical in London, this was the finest 1983 Château Palmer that I have encountered. The nose is ethereal with wonderful definition: mint-tinged red berry fruit, cedar, dried rose petals and very subtle acrid tang of a November bonfire. It is the definition and purity that is beguiling and yes, it is reminiscent of the 1961. The palate is beautifully balanced and lithe in the mouth. Like previous bottles, there is a Burgundy-like sensibility about this Palmer, sensual in the mouth with a crystalline finish that will have you reaching for the glass for another sip. Robert Parker stated that the 1983 was the best vintage following the epochal 1961 and I completely concur. This 1983 Palmer is probably at its peak now, although I have no doubt that it will continue to cruise at high altitude for many years. Tasted May 2015." NM for TWA May 2016

Robert Parker writes, "This wine goes from strength to strength, and is certainly a candidate for “wine of the vintage.” It has surpassed even Chateau Margaux in recent tastings. The color is an opaque plum/purple. The wine has a fabulously complex nose of smoked duck, white flowers, cedar, Asian spice, creme de cassis, melted licorice, and espresso. Super-concentrated, very powerful, full-bodied, and huge, this is undeniably, one of the biggest, most concentrated, and powerful Palmers made in the last 40 years. The wines has thrown off the rugged tannins that were so prominent during its first 10-15 years of life and has become increasingly seamless and compelling. Potentially this wine remains the most extraordinary Palmer after the 1961." 98Pts Published: Dec 31, 2002