TN: 1979 Palmer

[Baby Chickpea]

<b>1979 Château Palmer</b>
Decanted three times. Left for over one hour. Red colour with slight hints of brown. Bouquet redolent of rich plums and cherries, blackberries, pungent cedar, and fresh cut wood with some alcohol “hotness”. Palate highlights the strong blackberries and oak. Still a tad over-oaked to my taste buds and quite tannic too. Quite a big wine and should last quite well. I don’t think it is in perfect balance and don’t believe there is enough fruit to hold it together long-term. It’s still a very good wine but nowhere near first class for me.
<b>Very Good 17.0 / 20</b>

[merlot 128]

HI
The agree the79 is looking a bit tired. the 78 on the other hand is still holding up very well. I have had almost a case over the last 3 years and buy whatever i can get as a good aged red

[Guest]

The tannic, masculine characters are typical Margaux for the vintage, and with the exception of a few Chateaux, don't generally make for a balanced wine. Palmer I'd imagine to be one that suffers, Segla maybe benefitting. The Chateau Kirwan is the only Margaux I've tried from the vintage, and whilst a little simple from memory, was very 'pure' and full of flavour, including the typical floral notes. It's a good thing Australia's great wines don't vary as tragically in average vintages