Parker about Château Palmer 1990
Tasted at the Château Palmer vertical in London, I confess that maybe I've been harsh towards the 1990 Château Palmer in the past, since it never quite matched the sublime 1989. However, this represents the finest bottle that I have encountered. The nose is complex with red cherries, allspice and sous-bois, tertiary scents developing as it opens in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine balance, not the most complex 1990 and not a patch on say Château Margaux 1990, yet there is precision here and a pleasant savory finish that maintains precision. I cannot envisage it improving further, but you would not throw your rattle out of the pram if a bottle landed on your table. Tasted May 2015.
Description
Land | France |
Region | Bordeaux Margaux |
Rebsorten | Cabernet Sauvignon 47%, Merlot 47%, Petit Verdot 6% |
Alkoholgehalt | 12.50% |
Füllstand | Into Neck |
Verschlußart | cork stopper |
Kennzeichnung | Contains sulphites |
Farbe | Red |
Inverkehrbringer | Château Palmer, 3 Avenue des Vignolles, 33180 Saint-Estephe, France |
Charakter | Dry |
Servierempfehlung | Decant at 16-18°C |
Trinkempfehlung | 2002–2038 |
Parker Punkte | 92 |
Jahrgang | 1990 |
Bordeaux Margaux, France 🇫🇷

Goes well with

Château Palmer 1990

The 1990 Château Palmer is an outstanding Bordeaux from a vintage renowned for its exceptional quality and longevity. The 1990 Palmer is a prime example of the elegance and complexity this renowned château offers in a great vintage.
In the glass, the wine presents a deep, almost impenetrable ruby red, emphasizing the concentration and maturity of the vintage. The bouquet is intense and complex, with ripe aromas of black currants, blackberries, and plums, accompanied by notes of cedarwood, tobacco, and leather. Barrel aging brings additional aromas of vanilla, dried herbs, and delicate spices, adding depth and nuance to the bouquet.
On the palate, the 1990 Château Palmer is full-bodied and opulent, with an exceptional balance between ripe fruit, well-integrated tannins, and lively acidity. The tannins are velvety and smooth, giving the wine an elegant texture. The dark berry aromas unfold in full splendor, complemented by spicy nuances, chocolate, and a subtle mineral note.
The finish is long and persistent, with an elegant lingering aroma of ripe fruit, spice, and a subtle hint of wood that adds complexity to the wine. The Château Palmer 1990 is in an excellent drinking window, but also offers further aging potential for years to come.
This wine is ideal with fine meat dishes such as rack of lamb, beef fillet, or game, as well as with mature cheeses. It impressively embodies the essence of a great vintage and the classic elegance of Château Palmer, offering a profound and luxurious drinking experience.