Though 1999 is a good if not great vintage, Palmer is certainly one of the top wines of the vintage. This is a blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot. It is at peak. This bottle was opened at 2:00 and allowed to breathe until 5:00 when it was double decanted back to its original bottle and sealed before serving at around 8:00. That seemed to be about right. Garnet in color, ruby at the rim, mostly opaque and bright. The nose has cassis, black cherries, spice, cedar and floral notes. Medium to full bodied. On the palate, this is complex and layered. Cassis and black cherries over spice, leather and slight dried floral notes. Good acidity. Long finish. This will work better with food than on its own. It would work well with Roasted Duck. Drink over the next five to seven years before it starts to slide down though undoubtedly will drink well for a while after that.
