Wine Advocate
par Robert Parker le 28/02/1998
Palmer has finally invested in a new state of the art winemaking facility, with temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, and an impressive new cuverie. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, the 1996 is a powerful, dense, backward wine that recalls the 1986. The wine is more difficult to judge because of the high Merlot component, and the fact that this wine has not yet totally fleshed out. It is an impressively built, medium to full-bodied, muscular, rich claret. If it develops more complexity and puts on a bit of weight, it will be an outstanding Palmer, with less early charm than top vintages, but built for the long haul. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025.