94pts Vinous

More saturated ruby-red color. More serious, darker aromas of blackberry, mulberry, and licorice, plus complicating truffle and floral nuances. Much sweeter and denser though currently a bit mute in the middle palate due to the recent fining. But this wine silky texture, solid backbone, very fine tannins and persistent, subtle finishing flavor suggest that 1996 will turn out to be a topnotch year for this chateau.

91pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Tasted at the Château Palmer vertical in London, the 1996 Château Palmer is a wine that never quite fulfilled its potential. There is satisfactory fruit intensity on the nose, blackberry and truffle, a touch of vanilla and violet developing with time in the glass. The palate still feels a little backward, but there is good grip and freshness. This is a harmonious 1996 Margaux and yet it feels conservative and straight-laced on the tobacco-infused finish. 

90pts Wine Spectator

Gorgeous aromas of currant and flowers follow through to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a medium finish. A little more bottle age will open it even more. Very pretty.

Blend: Merlot 40%, Cabernet sauvignon 55%, Cabernet franc 4%, Petit verdot 1%