Finesse and elegance, typical of the great wines of Margaux, are the trademarks of Chateau Palmer. The unusual combination of grape varieties for a classified Left Bank wine–as much Merlot as Cabernet Sauvignon and a small amount of Petit Verdot–gives Chateau Palmer a bouquet of extraordinary complexity, with fruit, flowers, and spice wrapped in a fleshy and generous structure. The subtle balance between aromatic richness and powerful, yet always restrained, tannins makes Palmer charming even when very young.

The grapes are fermented separately by variety and plot in 54 conical, stainless steel vats. The wine then ages 18 to 21 months in French oak barrels, less than 50% new.

The 1990 Chateau Palmer, a Bordeaux blend from the Margaux sub-region of Bordeaux, France, is a noteworthy wine that continues to impress even decades after its release. This red wine, sealed with a cork closure, carries an alcohol content of 12.0%.

A consistent performer in tastings, the 1990 vintage has received high praise from several professional reviewers. Jane Anson, scoring it at 96 points, highlights its "velvety tannins" and "perfumed floral nose," and notes its exceptional complexity with "tertiary notes of truffles, campfire smoke and saffron-laced spices." Anson also points out the unique use of all four main Médoc grape varieties, including Cabernet Franc, which is not typical for Palmer, making this vintage particularly remarkable.

Vinous reviewer Neal Martin, who awarded it 95 points, describes the wine as "utterly sublime" with aromas of blackberry, forest floor, and crushed iris petals. He notes its evolution over time, becoming "more linear and almost reserved towards the finish" while retaining a "wonderful" character. The Wine Spectator also rated it 92 points, calling it a "beauty" with a seductive nose of currant, berry, tobacco, cedar, and flowers, and praising its full-bodied structure with silky tannins.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, with a score of 92, acknowledges the wine's complexity, noting the presence of "red cherries, allspice, and sous-bois" on the nose, and a balanced, savory palate. Though it may not reach the heights of the 1989 vintage, it remains a wine of precision and finesse.

Decanter agrees with a 96-point rating, emphasizing the wine's "aromatic complexity" and its "gentle dance" between finessed fruit and spices. The wine's peak maturity and potential for continued aging are highlighted, suggesting it will remain enjoyable for years to come.