1966 Palmer, Margaux
SKU #950354
98 points
Decanter
A wonderfully complex, nimble and mature showing of Palmer that perfectly encapsulates its consistently seductive style. The depth and power of the nose relative to its age is stunning. Aromas of dark chocolate, sandalwood, tobacco leaf and sun-warmed stones. Impressively concentrated and plump on the palate, where dried blackberries, scorched earth and cocoa powder appear. (ML)
(2/2019)
96 points
Wine Advocate
Tasted at the Château Palmer vertical in London, the 1966 Château Palmer has long been considered one of the finest wines of that vintage. Perhaps over-shadowed by the 1961, it remains a marvelous Margaux that continues to give pleasure. I tasted three different bottles of the 1966, two bottles side by side at the vertical tasting in London, though I have chosen a bottle subsequently tasted in Bordeaux the following March since this was served blind. The nose is wonderful: dusky black fruit, cedar, autumn woodland scents, perhaps more Saint Julien-like than the 1961, which is unequivocally "Margaux." The palate is medium-bodied with sufficient fruit, very fine tannins and perfectly judged acidity. It is a different character to the 1961. It does not have the same flair and profundity, but it is what you would describe as 'proper Claret' - a little austere and conservative, but harmonious, fresh and amazingly long; and I noticed a nuanced ferrous element on the aftertaste. It has always been an outstanding Palmer that deserves respect and great bottles continue to shine. (NM)
(5/2016)
96 points
Vinous
The 1966 Palmer is probably justifiably eclipsed by the legendary 1961, but this is one of the greats. Several bottles tasted, the last at the Palmer vertical in London. Introverted black fruit commingles with sous-bois and autumn leaves, though there is more vigor compared to the 1970. Lovely delineation. The palate is medium-bodied, and like many 1966s, there is strictness and linearity aplenty. Yes, there is a touch of austerity, yet the focus, freshness and precision on the slightly ferrous finish is quite tantalizing. (NM)
(8/2023)
95 points
John Gilman
I have had the ’66 Palmer as often as any of the great post-war clarets, but our October tasting was the first time I had tasted this beautiful wine since a lovely magnum back in the fall of 2003. It is one of the interesting characteristics of the world of wine that certain great bottles seem to cross one’s path with relative regularity, while others may be chanced upon once or twice in a lifetime. For whatever reason, the ’66 Palmer has been one of those wines to which I seem to be aligned, as I may have fifty or sixty notes on this great wine dating back since my very earliest days of serious wine tasting. In contrast, I have only tasted the ’61 Palmer on a couple of occasions over the same span. In any event, the bouquet on the 1966 is absolutely magnificent, as it offers up a perfumed mélange of sweet black cherries, cassis, mulberries, some cigar box, lovely soil tones, black truffles, a touch of nutskin and a strong topnote of violets that soars from the glass. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, deep, sweet and beautifully focused, with lovely structure, magnificent complexity, great depth at the core, and a long, refined and nearly endless finish of compelling dimension and grip.
(1/2008)
Jancis Robinson
Even more obviously Margaux, possibly Palmer, than the 1970. Extremely sweet and gentle without anything in excess. Seriously seductive on the nose – even the final pour almost an hour after the first one. Quite exceptional length. This just curls itself around the palate like the most languorous cat. I remember enjoying this wine as long ago as the late 1970s. What an admirably long life it has had. 19/20 points (JR)
(8/2007)
K&L Notes
96 points Antonio Galloni for Vinous: "The 1966 Palmer is simply remarkable. Boasting superb pliancy for a wine of its age, the 1966 is incredibly deep and polished throughout. The flavors are broad, dark and inviting." (07/2015)
