Palmer 1981

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Stunning violet, cassis nose soars from the glass like a 1982! Well-balanced palate, acidic but with ample sweet black fruits with green pepper finish. Harmonious. The palate does not quite match the nose, with some stalky notes in the background, but this is a wonderful 1981. Tasted January 2002.

robert_parker81

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

This is a relatively light, almost indifferent style of Palmer, lacking depth, and coming across as straightforward, with a simple plummy fruitiness intermingled with scents and flavors of herbs, oak, and cedar. It is medium bodied and austere for a Palmer. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 6/90.

robert_parker81

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

This is a relatively light, almost indifferent style of Palmer, lacking depth, and coming across as straightforward, with a simple plummy fruitiness intermingled with scents and flavors of herbs, oak, and cedar. It is medium bodied and austere for a Palmer. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 6/90.

vinous91

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 1981 Palmer has moderate bricking on the rim. I appreciate the aromatics here. It's a little more Margaux-like than the vintages from the seventies, with dried rose petals and touches of incense complementing the decayed red fruit. There's even a light honeyed note in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. There's a lovely balance. It's not complex yet fresh and with a little sapidity towards the cedar and sandalwood-tinged finish. Perhaps reaching the end of its drinking plateau. Nevertheless, this is a fine 1981 Left Bank worth seeking out. Tasted at the Palmer vertical at the château.