1982 Palmer
By Chateau Palmer
1982 Palmer from Chateau Palmer, Margaux, Bordeaux
The 1982 vintage from Bordeaux has long been lauded as one of the illustrious growing seasons of the 20th century, a fact that shines resplendently in the bottles from Chateau Palmer. This exceptional year gave rise to wines that not only defied age but also extravagantly displayed the seductive power of the Margaux appellation.
Epochal Vintage, Exceptional Quality
Chateau Palmer, synonymous with finesse and elegance, truly outdid itself with its 1982 Palmer. The season's consistently warm weather and optimal harvesting conditions coalesced to imbue the grapes with a flawless ripeness seldom achieved. Agile investment minds will note that such vintages possess a hefty gravitas in wine investment portfolios, with proven longevity and desirability among aficionados.
Captivating Complexity
To reminisce on the 1982 Palmer's current state is to delve into a complex tableau where tertiary notes play alongside vestiges of vivid fruit. The ample body carries a plenitude of blackcurrant and plum, layered with intoxicating aromas of truffle, leather, and subtle smoke. With integrated tannins and a polished finish that lingers insistently on the palate, this vintage is a study in impeccable balance.
The terroir of Margaux, amplified by Chateau Palmer's masterful vinification techniques, has allowed this wine to transcend the vicissitudes of time. It remains exquisitely structured; its stately poise underscores why the region commands such reverence amongst collectors and enthusiasts alike.
In summary, for those seeking an investment-grade wine that epitomises the pinnacle of Bordeaux’s winemaking prowess, the 1982 Palmer stands as a paragon. Its harmony of depth and complexity presents not just a drinking pleasure but serves as a liquid asset likely to captivate both palate and portfolio.
Market price (GBP)
£2,730.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
227.5
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted at the Château Palmer vertical in London, the magnum of 1982 Château Palmer is one of the best examples that I have tasted, even if it is no match for the 1983. It is a little curmudgeonly at first, perhaps slightly pinched, but it unfolds nicely and reveals quite mineral-rich, soy-tinged black fruit interlaced with graphite. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannin lending this backbone. It is missing some weight towards the finish, but as it opens in the glass, it reveals hidden facets such as tobacco and tertiary notes, allied with poise and finesse. Granted, it falls short of what could have been given the benevolent vintage and quality of its peers, however this magnum suggests that in larger formats might be worth seeking out. Tasted May 2015.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 29 May 2016
Other than Chateau Margaux, the 1982 Palmer is the strongest wine from what was the weakest appellation of the vintage, Margaux. Keep in mind that today, the classified-growth Margaux estates are all making fine wines (Brane-Cantenac, Malescot St.-Exupery, d'Issan, etc.), but when the 1982 was conceived, most of these properties made mediocre wines. Palmer, which seemed very loosely structured, and lacking concentration as well as tannin when it was first tasted, has firmed up, put on some weight, and reveals a slightly rustic edge. It possesses a deep garnet color to the rim along with plenty of sweet black fruit, charcoal, herb, and licorice characteristics. Medium to full-bodied, flavorful, and surprisingly well-endowed, it should drink nicely for another 10-15 years. Release price: ($275.00/case)
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #183 Jun 2009
Tasted at Pebbles/Zachy's 1982 dinner in Hong Kong. At thirty years of age, the Palmer 1982 still remains in the shadow of the 1983, although this is one of the best bottles that I have encountered. Yes, it remains a little fatigued on the nose but it is harmonious and nicely defined with that tincture of brine amongst the undergrowth. The palate is medium bodied and missing a little cohesion with age. But there is a pleasant sweet decayed core with a simple but fresh finish that would benefit from more vigour and persistency. Tasted November 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jan 2013