1990 Palmer
By Chateau Palmer
1990 Palmer from Chateau Palmer, Margaux, Bordeaux
The 1990 Palmer from Chateau Palmer is a wine that stands out as a beacon of excellence within the majestic Margaux appellation. This particular vintage emerges as a testament to the château's relentless pursuit of perfection, deftly capturing the zeitgeist of Bordeaux in a year that was blessed by the wine gods.
Decadent Decades: The Investment Calibre of 1990 Palmer
An investment in the 1990 Palmer represents more than the mere acquisition of an extraordinary bottle; it is the ownership of a piece of vinous history. This vintage is renowned for its favourable climatic conditions, where a warm, dry summer followed by an ideal September allowed for fruit to reach optimal maturity, showcasing the unparalleled expertise of Chateau Palmer's vine growing and winemaking acumen.
The Symphony of 1990: Elegance and Power
The 1990 vintage expresses a symphonic blend of richness and complexity. The pallet is graced by a sumptuous array of blackcurrant, truffle, and violets, all underpinned by a firm yet seamless structure that could only be orchestrated by such an elegant terroir. Sipping this wine, one finds each layer revealing its own story—a narrative intricately woven over decades.
The tertiary notes now coming to the fore suggest tobacco and leather intricacies, offering a sublime experience quite different from its younger shelf-mates. These evolved characteristics are what make this particular bottle a compelling cornerstone for any serious wine investor's collection.
As time gently cradles the 1990 Palmer, the ageability of this wine exhibits remarkable potential—a promise only truly great vintages can keep. With tannins softening into velvety whispers and the fruit maturing into a sonnet of delicacy, this vintage is undoubtedly one of the crown jewels from Chateau Palmer.
In Vino Veritas: Concluding Thoughts on 1990 Palmer
In conclusion, the 1990 Palmer from Chateau Palmer is an emblematic cornerstone for both connoisseurs and investors. It is an exemplar of the exceptional capacity for evolution and longevity that hallmark Margaux wines. Offering a rare balance between power and grace, this vintage continues to unveil its profundity with every sip. An investment in such a vintage speaks to both an appreciation for fine craftsmanship and confidence in enduring value.
Market price (GBP)
£2,310.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
192.5
Scores and tasting notes
This was the finest bottle of the 1990 Palmer I have yet tasted, and it appears I slightly underrated it in earlier reviews. A complex bouquet of earth, blue and black fruits, licorice, incense, and spice box is followed by a round, silky, voluptuous wine that falls just short of achieving the depth and richness found in such recent vintages as 2000, 2005, 2006, and 2008. A very strong, fully mature effort, its balance, purity, depth, and texture suggest it will provide plenty of pleasure over the next 10-12 years. Release price: ($1100.00/case)
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #183 June 2009
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.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 29 May 2016
A moderate garnet hue. The nose is lacking some fruit concentration with decayed autumn leaves, tobacco and cedar. Very classic in style. The palate is medium-bodied, balanced but lacking some complexity. Supple mouth-feel with notes of black tea, autumn leaves and blackberry. Just rather enervated and bereft of vigour and 'effort'. A lackadaisical wine? Disappointing considering the vintage. Tasted October 2006. Drinking now.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2007