Wine By Bok - 10/10 Stars

This is a truly extraordinary wine and one of the greatest Bordeaux I have ever tasted. A perfect ten out of ten, and remarkably, it even surpasses the legendary 1983 Château Margaux. The 1983 vintage is widely regarded as a monumental year for Margaux, and the long standing debate between Château Margaux and Château Palmer in this vintage is fully justified. After tasting, I firmly believe that Château Palmer 1983 holds the upper hand.

Despite its Third Growth classification, Château Palmer in 1983 transcended hierarchy and delivered First Growth quality with absolute authority. The blend is dominated by a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by Merlot and a small addition of Petit Verdot, with Cabernet Sauvignon playing a particularly commanding role in this vintage.

The bouquet is breathtaking, offering classic Margaux perfume with violets, cigar box, and an intensely floral, elegant aromatic profile. On the palate, the wine is nothing short of stunning. It is rich yet refined, silky and velvety, clearly showcasing the generosity of Merlot alongside the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon. The finish is extraordinarily long and persistent, lingering with grace and precision.

Now more than 40 years on, this wine is drinking magnificently. It is fully expressive, harmonious, and deeply satisfying, yet still remarkably alive. With proper storage, it can comfortably continue for another 20 to 30 years, and for those accustomed to long lived Bordeaux, even 30 to 50 more years would not be surprising.

A truly immortal wine and a benchmark Margaux! (02/2026)

Decanter - 100 points

Smoky, floral and fabulous. Violet-edged, this stands out over the 1982 for its complexity of aromatics and flavours. Brambled blackberry notes meld with soft leather and liquorice, all perfectly finessed. Harvest 28 September until 13 October, around one week later than the 1982. A touch of Petit Verdot finishes up the blend. Peter Sichel, who was making the wine at the time, was convinced straight after harvest that the 1982 was better than the 1983. 'He was right,' says Thomas Duroux today. Certainly sugar levels were a touch higher than the previous year, and the fruit character generous from the earliest years. (7/2018)

James Suckling - 98 points

This is one of the all-time greatest Palmers for its complexity and finesse. Intense aromas of smoked meats and dark fruits plus hints of tobacco meet a silky, almost buttery texture of great yet beautiful concentration that combines in superb balance with a plateful of fruit and still mouthwatering acidity. The tannins are round and fat, and the finish is long and mesmerizing. This is crying out to be drunk now, yet the persistent acidity should provide for at least another 10 years of possible cellaring. (6/2016)

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 98 Points

Tasted at the Château Palmer vertical in London, this was the finest 1983 Château Palmer that I have encountered. The nose is ethereal with wonderful definition: mint-tinged red berry fruit, cedar, dried rose petals and very subtle acrid tang of a November bonfire. It is the definition and purity that is beguiling and yes, it is reminiscent of the 1961. The palate is beautifully balanced and lithe in the mouth. Like previous bottles, there is a Burgundy-like sensibility about this Palmer, sensual in the mouth with a crystalline finish that will have you reaching for the glass for another sip. Robert Parker stated that the 1983 was the best vintage following the epochal 1961 and I completely concur. This 1983 Palmer is probably at its peak now, although I have no doubt that it will continue to cruise at high altitude for many years. (5/2016)