The December 2025 Auction: Part 4
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1 / 2Lot 1894
Estimate: $2,500
Low shoulder, heavily scuffed, torn capsule, partially exposed cork.
This auction has ended. Bidding is closed.
Collection name
Reviews
96WA
"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 marvellous 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 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."
Region
Red
Country
Score
"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 marvellous 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 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."
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The world's most influential fine-wine producer and the benchmark for Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and the Rhone. Its appellation (AOC) system codifies geography, grape and method, and its wines set the global standard for age-worthiness and terroir expression.
The world's largest fine-wine region, built around blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Divided by the Gironde estuary into the structured Left Bank and the plush, Merlot-led Right Bank, it is the historic benchmark for age-worthy claret and sweet Sauternes.
The Left Bank appellation prized for perfumed, silky and elegant Cabernet-based wines. Gravel soils yield claret of aromatic finesse and refinement.