48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot

Decanter: 94, Wine Advocate: 94

Decanter: 1999 was not an easy year for wine growers, but Palmer was seen right from the start as being one of the successes of the vintage. This is pretty much slap bang in its drinking window and should continue to drink well from now through to 2025 or 2030, but it is not built for such long ageing as the more structured years. Only 50% of the production made it into the estate's first wine, and that careful selection has mean plenty of fine tannins, brambly fruits and liquorice, set against sweet tannins, saffron and black pepper spices. As it opens, you get campfire, woodsmoke and truffles. Harvest September 17 to October 1, wine made by Philippe Delfaut.