1966 Chateau Palmer Margaux (mid shoulder)

(96 Points) The 1966 continues to be one of the greatest examples of Palmer I have ever tasted. It is almost atypical for the 1966 vintage, which produced so many austere, angular wines. Not only rich and full, it is also delicate and loaded with complexity and finesse. This wine gets my nod as one of the best of the vintage, rivaled only by Latour and Lafleur. The haunting bouquet is similar to the 1961's. It reveals a plummy, mulberry-like fruitiness, exotic spices, licorice, and a hint of truffles. Medium-bodied, with a velvety richness, it has a long, ripe, lush finish, and enough grip and focus to continue to drink well for another decade. Anticipated maturity: now-2000. Last tasted 5/96 Bordeaux Book, 3rd Edition Jan 1998