Palmer 1988

Time passes. Despite rollercoaster weather that saw an early blossoming, a wet spring and a lukewarm summer, the grapes reached extremely satisfying levels of ripeness. Solid tannins, tight acidity, good structure: 1988 is a good vintage.

A definition of finesse. So opulent and seductive that the smoothness and delicacy of the texture come almost as a surprise. Explosive blackberry, currant, plum and vanilla aromas are only the beginning, and the subtle echoes of fruit and spice carry over on the featherlight finish. Tannins are beautifully integrated.

The 1988 offers a promising bouquet of ripe plums, dense, rich, concentrated fruit, and medium body, but I was surprised by the relatively compact finish. Nevertheless, this is one of the best wines of the Margaux appellation in 1988.