The 1999 is the greatest Palmer made since 1961, 1966, 1970, 1983, and 1989. It is one of the superstars of the vintage. The wine is a blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot. It boasts a staggering bouquet of violets and other spring flowers intermixed with licorice, black currants, and subtle wood. Only 50% of the production made it into the grand vin. This is a multidimensional, compelling effort with both power and elegance, it offers sweet tannin along with flavors that caress the palate, and a 45-second finish. This is terrific stuff! Anticipated maturity: 2004-2025.

Delivers lots of sweet tobacco, licorice and cedar aromas. Wow. Really complex and full-bodied, with seductive, silky tannins and a long, long finish. Fabulous texture and finesse. What elegance and balance.—'89/'99 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2009). Drink now. 12,200 cases made. -JS