The 1985 Palmer is another vintage that I have not met for a little while. This is clearly a step up from the 1982 on the nose, even if not a match for the 1983. This blossoms in the glass with brambly red fruit, thyme, rose petals and touches of Earl Grey tea. The palate is fully mature, yet there is substance and density here, fine acidity, well balanced with hints of tobacco and dark chocolate towards the finish. Blind, you might well guess a Saint-Émilion from the same year! Thoroughly enjoyable, and I can guarantee that you will finish a bottle. Pure pleasure. Tasted at the Palmer vertical at the château. 2022 - 2037
Deep brick-rimmed garnet. Bright and healthy. Plenty of leather and old furniture and undergrowth but still has a fine floral note - a violet fragrance - as well as the headiness of dark fruit in alcohol. An attractive note of dusty stones. Light lavender. Very perfumed. Touch of mint and cigar box and liquorice. Complex and fresh. On the palate, mouthwatering freshness, completely dissolved tannins and scented on the mid palate. Fine and long and really mouthwatering, Opens up to more capsicum on the nose and tobacco. Lots more liquorice on the finish. Going back at the end of the evening: meaty and gamey with aromas of truffles but in no way falling apart. Silky and fresh and lots of liquorice. Drink 1995 - 2015. Date tasted 14th Sept 09.
