1996 Chateau Palmer 3eme Cru Classe, Margaux 12x75cl

Chateau Palmer: A Sensational Margaux

Chateau Palmer is one of the elite estates of Bordeaux and crafts wines that frequently rival those of its great rival in its home appellation, Chateau Margaux.

A historic property, Chateau Palmer takes its name from Major General Charles Palmer, who acquired it in 1814. It has since gone through a few changes of ownership, but not name and the wines have, arguably, never been better.

Writing in her book Inside Bordeaux, Jane Anson is forthright in her opinion of just how impressive Palmer is, asserting, “There are very few chateaux that I would unquestionably say should be First Growths if the 1855 classification was to be revised, but Palmer is one of them.” 

The Grand Vin is sensational. The Alter Ego de Palmer is one of the best second wines made anywhere in Bordeaux.

Chateau Palmer: Aromatic Fireworks and a Luxurious Palate

The vineyard of Chateau Palmer covers 55 hectares and is planted with 47% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6% Petit Verdot. The soil is composed of gravel, sand, and clay, and provides good drainage and heat retention.

The style here is sublime and, in common with all of the great wines of Margaux, the aromatics are the stars of the show. Palmer is a complex and intoxicating on the nose, a firework display in comparison to Chateau Margaux’s more ethereal approach. The nose is supported by a stunning palate thanks to polished tannins, a luxurious mouthfeel and impeccable balance.

The Chateau Palmer Historic Blend

This is a rare an unique wine from the Palmer stable. In the 19th century, it was a common practice to “hermitage” the wines. Bordeaux châteaux would add to their wines a certain quantity of wine from the Rhône. It usually came from the region of Hermitage. The Syrah would strengthen the structure and power of the claret. However, Bordeaux AOC regulations finally ended this practice.

Then in the 21st century, Château Palmer came up with the idea of bringing this forgotten tradition back to life. Years ago, during a visit in California, Thomas Duroux, the director of the property, had the rare opportunity to taste a 19th century Bordeaux Hermitagé. This lead to the creation of the Historical XIXth Century Wine. It is released in small amounts each year and snapped up by sharp-eyed collectors.