Château Palmer, Ch. Palmer 1988

88 / 100 Robert Parker
This wine, like a number of 1988s, has matured well and is just beginning to show maturity. It has a dense, somewhat rugged constitution, with plenty of density, some earthy black fruits intermixed with licorice, compost, camphor, and roasted herbs. The wine is dense, medium to full-bodied, with some coarse tannins in the finish. I do not expect the tannins to ever melt away, but there is plenty of depth to this mouth-filling Palmer.
Bordeaux Book, 4th Edition Jan 2003

90 / 100 Wine Spectator
Aromas of coffee bean, tobacco and plum follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins and a long finish. A little rustic, but rich and youthful. Chewy. It would be better with a bit more bottle age, but why bother?—'88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Drink now. 16,000 cases made.
http://www.winespectator.com/wine/detail/source/search/not..

17 / 20 Jancis Robinson
Mid ruby with a pale rim. Very pretty, evolved, only slightly leafy nose. Very dry finish – still lots of acidity. Nose is much more beguiling than the slightly skinny, tart palate. Fresh finish does not linger but it is minty mouthwash fresh.
http://www.jancisrobinson.com/tastings/search?perpage=20&k..