Palmer 1998

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

A deep garnet core. The nose is tight and showing just a hint of greenness, simpler relative to the ’99. Blackberry, cassis sandalwood and iodine all there but lacking a little lift at present. The medium-bodied palate still has some unresolved tannins at first, but give this time because it mellow and softens beautifully with 15-20 minutes aeration and ends up more expressive than the ’99. Very well-defined and poised towards the finish with just a hint of pain grille inflecting the aftertaste. Drink now-2020. Tasted March 2008.

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

An outstanding success for the vintage, Palmer's 1998 (52% of the harvest was included in the final blend) is a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot. The Merlot was harvested under ideal conditions on September 25, but the Cabernet Sauvignon harvest was not completed until October 17. The wine reflects the superb Merlot crop with its dense black/purple color, gorgeous nose of cassis, cherry liqueur, and licorice, great fruit, supple tannin, and medium to full body. This is a layered, concentrated yet surprisingly velvety-textured Palmer that achieved 12.7% natural alcohol. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2020.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

One of the finest Medocs of an uninspiring vintage for this appellation, Palmer's 1998 (52% of the harvest was included in the final blend) includes 50% Merlot (the most favored varietal in this vintage). Exhibiting a dense saturated ruby/purple color, floral, licorice, sweet black fruit-scented nose, medium to full body, velvety texture, and copious glycerin and extract, this is a beauty. Moreover, it should be drinkable early, and has managed to avoid the harsh tannin and hollowness that plague many 1998 Medocs. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2020.

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Very deep garnet colour. Smokey / spicy aromas with some sweaty saddles, cloves and white pepper complimenting the core of warm cassis. The medium+ bodied wine is quite muscular with concentrated, somewhat masculine / savoury fruit juxtaposed by the elegance of structure. Medium to firm very fine tannins and medium+ acidity. Long finish.

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

First tasted in February 2002. Dense black fruits on nose: damp earth and walnuts. Fine structure on the medium- to full-bodied palate with tight muscular tannins. Good grip. Sweet black cherry finish. Sexy wine. Excellent. Tasted again in February 2004: a limpid purple hue. The nose is very dense, earthy with cassis and blackberry. The palate is smooth, elegant though still quite primary. Lots of sweet oak, backward - it seems to have closed down since 2002. Needs 8+ years.

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

A classic Margaux, the 1998 Palmer has put on weight and fleshed out during its elevage in barrel. It displays a dense purple color as well as a sumptuous bouquet of black fruits, licorice, melted asphalt, pain grille, and a touch of acacia flowers. Full-bodied, with brilliant definition, this blend of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a dollop of Petit Verdot, will age well for 20-30 years. It is one of the Medoc's, as well as the Margaux appellation's finest wines of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2028.

vinous94

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 1998 Palmer showed extremely well. Featuring blackberry, cedar and a touch of black olive on the nose, this has evolved a little since I last tasted it, yet it remains wonderfully defined. The palate is supple and concentrated, with touches of clove and black pepper infusing the black fruit, and gentle grip on the finish. I might actually afford this another year in bottle, but it probably represents good value vis-à-vis other vintages.