Palmer 1989

"The 1989 Palmer has vied with the 1983 as the highlight of the decade, so it is fascinating to revisit it at 30 years old. It has a wonderful bouquet of degraded red berry fruit, singed leather and hints of game and mint, beautifully defined and still so fresh, yet undeniably old-school in style. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and still brimming with vigor, delivering a fine bead of acidity and a touch of cracked black pepper. A very detailed, engaging finish urges you back for another sip. A brilliant Palmer, and judging from this showing, it has another two decades of pleasure to give. Tasted from an ex-cellar bottle at the château." Drink: 2019 - 2045

One of the superstars of the vintage, Palmer's 1989 retains a dark plum/purple color with some pink and a hint of amber creeping in at the time. A big nose of charcoal, white flowers (acacia?), licorice, plums, and black currants comes from the glass of this elegant, medium- to full-bodied, very concentrated, seamlessly made wine. Gorgeous, seemingly fully mature, yet brilliantly balanced, this wine may well turn out to be a modern-day clone of the glorious 1953. Anticipated maturity now-2020

Wafting from the glass with captivating aromas of dark berries, violets, sweet soil tones and black truffle, the 1989 Palmer is medium to full-bodied, rich and velvety, with a suave, seamless profile, terrific depth at the core and a long, sapid, perfumed finish. At its best, this is one of the vintage's finest wines. 2005 - 2040

Palmer's 1989 is one of the vintage's great successes. The wine exhibits a dark ruby/purple color and a sweet jammy nose of black fruits intermingled with floral scents, licorice and a touch of truffles. Full bodied and supple, with low acidity, copious quantities of ripe fruit and glycerin, and a medium-to-full bodied, concentrated, harmonious, seamless texture, this is a gorgeous Palmer. It may turn out similar to this estate's brilliant 1962 and 1953. Although approachable, it will improve for another decade and last for 20-25 years. Last tasted, 11/96.