1995 Palmer
By Chateau Palmer
1995 Palmer from Chateau Palmer, Margaux, Bordeaux, France
Gazing into the heart of the Left Bank, one finds the illustrious Chateau Palmer, where the fabled soils of Margaux give rise to wines of profound elegance. The 1995 Palmer from this respected house stands as a commanding testament to the vintage's exceptional quality.
A Vintage Defined by Patience and Precision
The 1995 vintage was one where early climatic restraint was followed by an Indian summer, bestowing upon the harvest an impeccable balance of ripeness and structure. This was a year that demanded patience; a slow start made way for late-season heroics, resulting in a harvest that shone for its precision and depth. Notably, it is these conditions that have allowed the 1995 Palmer from Chateau Palmer to ascend into the complex strata one associates with truly great Bordeaux.
A Tapestry of Terroir
This particular vintage encapsulates the hallmark traits that Margaux is revered for – finesse and aromatic complexity. The 1995 Palmer manifests these in spades; it flaunts a resplendent garnet hue, with a bouquet that unfurls notes of blackcurrant, truffle, and violets entwined with a decadent whisper of new oak. These elements cascade upon the palate in seamless harmony, underscored by a robust tannic backbone that promises remarkable longevity and investment potential.
In tasting, one is struck by the wine’s balance – a masterstroke of nature endowed by careful stewardship. It carries a gravitas on the palate yet manages to sustain an ethereal weightlessness that is enchantingly paradoxical.
For enthusiasts and investors alike seeking out one of Margaux’s more storied canvases, the 1995 Palmer denotes not just a triumph of that season's weather but also of meticulous winemaking that transcends mere tradition.
In Retrospect: The 1995 Vintage Investment Profile
Now matured into its splendid twilight years, this wine provides both a tactile joy for connoisseurs and a salient option for fine wine investors. The 1995 Palmer from Chateau Palmer represents one of those unique opportunities where its profile has embroidered itself beautifully over time while still maintaining the capability to evolve further. Such equilibrium between immediate sensory delight and promising investment trajectory makes it an astute addition to any discerning collection.
When casting an eye towards acquisition or portfolio diversification with fine Bordeaux wines – particularly Margaux – let this seasoned but vibrant 1995 vintage be your lodestar. Devotees seeking en primeur insights will find solace in its consistency; collectors envisioning long-term growth will admire its steadfast development. Indeed, embracing such a storied libation is but an ode to wisdom as deep as its roots within this cherished terroir.
Market price (GBP)
£3,090.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
206
Scores and tasting notes
This Palmer has a fresh, lively nose with blackberry, freshly rolled tobacco and gravel. Very good definition. The palate is medium-bodied, very fresh with fine tannins. Like other 1995s it is has more masculinity than it showed in its youth, but has great delineation and poise with cedar and a touch of graphite towards the slightly foursquare (for Palmer) finish. Drink now-2025. Tasted June 2008.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Nov 2008
Bottled in July, 1997, this wine includes an extremely high percentage of Merlot (about 43%). It is a gloriously opulent, low acid, fleshy Palmer that will be attractive early and keep well. Dark ruby/purple-colored, with smoky, toasty new oak intertwined with gobs of jammy cherry fruit, and floral and chocolate nuances, this medium to full-bodied, plump yet elegant wine is impressive. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2020.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 22 February 1998