1961 Chateau Palmer drink window

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Thu Mar 11, 2004 11:29 pm

Hi all,

I'm thinking of buying a bottle of 1961 Chateau Palmer (well cellared).

I'm just wondering whether it had peaked or it can still hold for a few more years.

Cheers,
Steve

David Lole · Post by **David Lole** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 12:06 am

Adam can help you here from a very recent tasting, I'm sure.

Top year and Palmer reputably excelled.

Over to you, Adam, if you, please..............

Michael · Post by **Michael** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 12:36 am

The 1961 Palmer is one of the greatest wines of the 20th century.
In good condition it is has another 25 - 30 years in it.

I have had it 4 times in the last 5 years, and as you would expect of a 45 year old wine - it is variable, or least bottlings vary.

Curiously they cropped at about 14 hl/h that year, a yield almost replicated in 2002.

Palmer has never been that good again, or some would argue before.

M

Adam · Post by **Adam** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 1:02 am

Yes, I had this last weekend next to the 66' and 70'. This wine is on its plateau but will hold a longer in my opinion...the notes dont express it but the 61' was the wine of the night. Grand vin.

My notes:

1961 Chateau Palmer - decanted lightly before hand, beauitiful sweet nose on opening of cassis, plum and flowers, as it evolved it gained a more minerally aspect. Beautifully balanced on the palate, aged bordeaux at its peak.

1966 Chateau Palmer - similar to the 1961 but more of a truffly profile, touch of Ahnoosity that blew off with a bit of time. This finished slightly shorter than the 61 but still an exceptional wine. Definately drink now!

1970 Chateau Palmer - surprisingly dark colour, would have picked this as being maybe half the age, lot of ripe fruit, very complex with the stuffing to go at least another 5 years at its peak.

Luckily I still have 10 bottles of each!!

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 11:39 am

Thank you all,

Do you think $700 is a good buy or should I swap my bottle of Remy Martin Louis XIII for 2 bottles of 1961 Chateau Palmer.

Cheers,
Steve

Adam · Post by **Adam** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 7:22 pm

Actually, thats a very good price...compared to retail anyway. Sells in the states for around AUD$1500 a bottle. this from "winezy"?

But as you know always a risk with buying old wines.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 8:50 pm

Steve wrote:Thank you all,

Do you think $700 is a good buy or should I swap my bottle of Remy Martin Louis XIII for 2 bottles of 1961 Chateau Palmer.

Cheers,
Steve

fantastic price.

Stan · Post by **Stan** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 11:49 pm

Unbelievable price!

Why so cheap?

Had it a five ago along side the '61 Ist growths and it and Latour were the best wines. Latour still off its peak, Palmer sublime and unbelievably textured. But is was a fine bottle.

Lucky you!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Mar 16, 2004 9:25 pm

Adam

As your attourney...I advise you to fly in with the remaining 10 bottles of 61 Palmer for dinner next weekend.....judging from past experience ......I think we should drink them all on Saturday night.
Of course...I'm sure everyone else will agree with me...so I think we should have a vote

Is there any more of that Gaja Sperss floating around?