1999 Palmer
By Chateau Palmer
1999 Palmer from Chateau Palmer, Margaux, Bordeaux
The 1999 vintage at Chateau Palmer holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts for its elegant expression, a testament to the resilience and finesse of Margaux in a year that was fraught with climatic challenges. As we delve into the 1999 Palmer from Chateau Palmer, we find a narrative of precision viticulture and masterful winemaking that culminates in a wine that transcends the limitations of an average harvest.
Harmony Amidst Hardship: The Mettle of Margaux
In the late 90s, Bordeaux faced a series of meteorological swings, and 1999 was no exception. Despite a decidedly capricious growing season, with a wet spring followed by a scorching summer, Chateau Palmer's adept handling of their vineyard parcelled out a rare creature from this year's fruit. With careful selection and an unwavering commitment to quality over quantity, the 1999 vintage rose like a pheonix from the ashes of lesser years.
A Vintage Defined by Elegance and Maturity
Now, with decades under its belt, the 1999 Palmer flaunts an aristocratic poise in the glass. Its bouquet—resplendent with truffles, cigar box, and blackcurrant—is deepened by whispers of wilted violets and a subtle hint of ironstone. This maturity is mirrored on the palate; it unfurls with graceful tannins, integrated through years of repose into a smooth yet commanding structure. The finish is quite noteworthy; it lingers with the tenacity of an old tome filled with knowledge—a fitting parallel to the refined depths witnessed here.
For those keenly interested in terroir-driven claret investment narratives, the 1999 Palmer from Chateau Palmer emerges as one for contemplation. It illustrates not only how Margaux can counter adverse elements but also how time nurtures complexity within its red wines. Here lies an opportunity not to be underestimated by those investing in liquid legacies.
A final reflection on this Margaux offering—one must commend its seemingly paradoxical ability to showcase robustness amidst delicacy, much akin to an expertly woven tapestry wherein every thread counts towards the grand picture. In this balance lies the true artistry of Chateau Palmer's creation.
Market price (HKD)
HK$24,920.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
174
Scores and tasting notes
The 1999 is the greatest Palmer made since 1961, 1966, 1970, 1983, and 1989. It is one of the superstars of the vintage. The wine is a blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot. It boasts a staggering bouquet of violets and other spring flowers intermixed with licorice, black currants, and subtle wood. Only 50% of the production made it into the grand vin. This is a multidimensional, compelling effort with both power and elegance, it offers sweet tannin along with flavors that caress the palate, and a 45-second finish. This is terrific stuff! Anticipated maturity: 2004-2025.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #140 April 2002
Though I have tasted many vintages of Palmer in recent months, it has been some time since I tasted the 1999 Palmer. Now at 17 years of age, it has a really quite splendid bouquet that is so fresh and vital, pure brambly red fruit, sloes and iodine. It has certainly lost some of the headiness that it showed over its first 10 years, but it is still a Palmer that likes to party. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. There is good depth here, clean and fresh with wonderful poise. This is a "correct" Palmer, self-aware that it was not born in a propitious vintage, therefore it might seem a little restrained, even conservative in character. That would ignore its precision and grace, the manner in which it gently builds to the finish. You can drink this now but I would be inclined to give it another 3-4 years. There are few better Left Bank 1999s than Palmer. Tasted September 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 October 2016
Tasted at the 1999 horizontal at Bordeaux Index. The Palmer 99 has plumes of ripe black fruits on the nose with boysenberry, iodine and blueberry. Lovely lift
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2009
A very pretty red with balance and attractive fruit. Underlines how attractive this vintage is and how forgotten it is as well. Medium-to-full body with firm tannins and a raspberry, blackberry and light cedar undertone. Drink or hold.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, July 1st 2013