Wine Advisor
Palmer 1985
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 1985 Palmer is a good wine, but it displays a little dilution in its mid-range. Deep in color, with a moderately attractive bouquet of jammy fruit and oak, and a good finish, this stylish wine lacks the depth and grip necessary to be considered outstanding. Anticipated maturity: Now-2001. Last tasted, 3/92.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted at The Swan in Southwold. The 1985 Palmer continues to cruise along its plateau of maturity, neither waxing nor waning. Warm and fleshy on the nose with gorgeous savoury fruit, touches of smoked chestnut on a December evening, hot gravels and a touch of mint. The palate is rich and velvety, quite creamy in texture, very lush though not complex, the oak not as well integrated as say, the ’83 or ’89, both superior wines. Yet this Palmer just gives everything to please. Charming. Drink now-2016. Tasted January 2010.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted at the chateau, the Palmer 1985 was introduced by Thomas Duroux as a vintage that is overlooked. He might be around. The aromatics are not one that grabs you round the lapels like the 1983 or the 1989. It creeps up on you by stealth, opening gradually with notes of cedar, undergrowth and antique bureau - decidedly in secondary aromas. The palate is medium-bodied and rather conservative in the context of the vintage. It is not a complex Margaux - linear in style and nicely focused; perhaps a little Saint Julien in style. Classic, reserved and delightful. Tasted November 2012.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Quite a deep, black/garnet colour. A very deep nose with nose of chocolate and meats. Very harmonious nose, even more expressive than the Chateau Margaux 1985 at this tasting. The merlot component in this wine is very expressive (as in many 1985`s) lovely fleshy red fruits with a charming sweetness . This has excellent structure, almost Saint Julien like on the finish. Drinking now and over five years. Very fine. Tasted July 2003.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
A somewhat diffuse, open-knit, easygoing Palmer, with plenty of amber to its dark garnet color, the 1985 Palmer has reached full maturity. Low acidity, sweet cherry, plum and currant fruit intermixed with some licorice, mushroom, and damp earth jumps from the glass of this medium-weight, very fragrant, fruity wine. It lacks the concentration as well as length to be great, but it is a very seductive wine, as are so many 1985s. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008. Last tasted, 5/02.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
This wine has consistently been attractive, elegant, and fruity, with a deep ruby color that is now revealing some amber and orange at the edge. The wine's low acidity has resulted in an up-front forwardness, but there is neither the depth nor extract one expects in a top vintage of Palmer. Nevertheless, it is a well-made, richly fruity, fragrant wine with no hard edges that is ideal for present consumption. Anticipated maturity: Now-2004. Last tasted 9/97
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Served blind, this is a meaty, rustic, fleshy, warm nose that is verging on diffuse but manages to pull back from that, more open-knit and generous. The palate is fleshy and seductive with lovely ripe red-berried fruit, touches of cranberry, gravel and earth. It is well-knit on the rounded, lush finish, although not as complex as other 1985’s, not as vivacious and surprisingly rustic. Yet it still has great charm. Drink now-2015. Tasted October 2008.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted at the Château Palmer vertical in London, the 1985 Château Palmer was clearly a favourite amongst the participants in the tasting, although here I actually concur with Robert Parker - it's a pleasant Margaux, but not the most complex wine of the vintage. You get the feeling that it doesn't fire on all cylinders. It has an appealing bacon fact and savory bouquet - a little smudged, but full of charm. The palate is fleshy on the entry, perhaps here with a touch of brettanomyces, the acidity nicely judged with expressive Merlot defining the finish. It does not "take off" as the greatest 1985s are wont to do, yet you would contentedly polish off a bottle, seduced by its easy-going nature. Tasted May 2015.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
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.
About the Producer
The fine seaside climate and soils of Long Island’s North Fork provide exceptional conditions for the making of world-class varietal wines. With 110 acres planted with Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc to supply the winery’s 20,000 annual case production, Palmer strives to preserve and enhance the purity of flavor and distinctive, fresh character which makes this region’s wines so unique. The state- of-the art winery contains the most modern winemaking equipment available today, and also includes substantial new French oak cooperage, purchased each year, for both barrel fermentation of our Chardonnay and the aging of our premium red varietals.
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