Palmer 1995

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

This is one of the best Palmer’s of the decade. The nose is generous with raspberry, strawberry and that touch of lemongrass noted on previous occasions. The palate is full-bodied and precocious, fleshy, lots of stuffing and rounded in texture. Good depth with a savoury second half, nice grippy tannins with a raspberry and cooked meats towards the finish. On this showing the wine could actually benefit from further bottle ageing, but this remains a “solid” long-term Palmer. Impressive, but pleasure will come later. Drink 2010-2020+ Tasted March 2008.

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Deep garnet with a brick rim. Very pure aromas of warm cassis, kirsch and dried lavender over a touch of truffles and game. The power of the palate is in the taut structure of medium +, fine grained tannins and medium to high acidity, fleshed-out by generous rich fruit. Very long finish. Beautiful balance.

robert_parker95

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

This Palmer has a fresh, lively nose with blackberry, freshly rolled tobacco and gravel. Very good definition. The palate is medium-bodied, very fresh with fine tannins. Like other 1995s it is has more masculinity than it showed in its youth, but has great delineation and poise with cedar and a touch of graphite towards the slightly foursquare (for Palmer) finish. Drink now-2025. Tasted June 2008.

robert_parker96

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Did nothing for me the first time I tasted this but a far superior bottle in February 2004: a similar colour to the 1996. Nose is more open and has evolved with some lovely morello cherry, savory and lemongrass notes. The palate is complex, very smooth with pain grille and roasted herbs. I under-estimated this wine last time and it has developed far better than expected. Excellent. Then a blind bottle in April 2005. A muted nose, perhaps a bit "fluffy" and lacking definition. But the palate is very concentrated, tannic with ripe liquorice tinged fruit. Good acidity though still quite austere and masculine. Real depth and persistency here. Superb.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

This wine has evolved beautifully since last year. While it is no 1989 or 1983, it is a convincingly beautiful, dark purple-colored, elegant, medium to full-bodied Palmer. Loaded with sweet, ripe, black fruits judiciously touched with spicy wood, this is a fleshy, medium-bodied, moderately tannic wine that should age well for 20 years. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2016.

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

This wine has evolved beautifully since last year. While it is no 1989 or 1983, it is a convincingly beautiful, dark purple-colored, elegant, medium to full-bodied Palmer. Loaded with sweet, ripe, black fruits judiciously touched with spicy wood, this is a fleshy, medium-bodied, moderately tannic wine that should age well for 20 years. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2016. Last tasted 1/97

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The 1995 exhibits a dense, dark ruby/purple color, followed by an attractive sweet nose of jammy black fruits and vanillin. This ripe, medium-bodied wine is richer, heavier, and more concentrated than the 1994, with extremely low acidity, an attractive opulence, and moderate tannin in the heady, easy-going finish. If a little more definition and mid-palate richness emerge, this will be the finest Palmer since the 1989. It should be fully drinkable in 2-3 years and last for 15 or more. All of the wines in this segment were tasted between March 19 and March 28 in Bordeaux. Most of the important wines from both the 1994 and 1995 vintages were tasted three separate times during my ten-day stay in Bordeaux.

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Bottled in July, 1997, this wine includes an extremely high percentage of Merlot (about 43%). It is a gloriously opulent, low acid, fleshy Palmer that will be attractive early and keep well. Dark ruby/purple-colored, with smoky, toasty new oak intertwined with gobs of jammy cherry fruit, and floral and chocolate nuances, this medium to full-bodied, plump yet elegant wine is impressive. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2020.

vinous92

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

The 1995 Palmer is a step up in quality over preceding vintages. This gorgeous bouquet has vibrant red fruit, rose petals and violet. A touch of melted road tar comes through with time. Classic Palmer. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, well balanced with good substance. There is a light savory element to this Palmer, with meat juices, thyme and white pepper. It's cohesive, with a good grip on the long finish. This is drinking perfectly now. Tasted at the Palmer vertical at the château.