Chateau Palmer, classified a Third Growth Bordeaux, is in the commune of Cantenac, the heart of the Margaux appellation.

The Palmer vineyards, originally part of the larger estate of Chateau d’Issan, cover 66 hectares of gravelly soil on terraces overlooking the Garonne River. There are equal amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (47% each). The remainder is Petit Verdot. From 2014 forward, the entire property has been farmed biodynamically.

Chateau Palmer is named after Major General Charles Palmer of the British Army, who bought the estate in 1814 from Marie de Gascq. A passionate man, he invested a great deal of time, energy and money to develop his property, purchasing land and buildings in the communes of Cantenac, Issan, and Margaux, and by the 1830s, his property covered 163 hectares, 82 hectares of which were vineyards. “Palmer's Claret” quickly gained popularity in London clubs and even found favor in the eyes of the future King George IV.

Charles sold the estate in 1843. The current owners, the Sichel and Mahler-Besse families, have been in place since 1938. Their focus throughout has been on authenticity, quality and consistency.

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 1978 Chateau Palmer Bordeaux Blend is a resplendent testament to the timeless allure of French winemaking. Hailing from the esteemed Bordeaux region, more specifically the Margaux sub-region, this wine is a delightful confluence of tradition, terroir, and tender loving care, a product of the renowned Chateau Palmer.

Cradled in a bottle with a traditional cork closure, this wine presents itself in a rich, inviting red hue. The color sets the stage for the complexity and depth that defines this vintage. On the nose, this wine is a grand performance. Its powerful, expressive profile is dominated by the scent of cedar, offering a captivating introduction. This is further layered with the intriguing aromas of sous-bois and cigar-box, elegantly intertwined with the remnants of black fruit. This tapestry of scents paints a picture of 'old school' charm, reminiscent of the magnificent 1966 vintage.

The palate of the 1978 Chateau Palmer is medium-bodied, striking an ideal balance. Hints of spice and cedar seep through, paving the way for a slightly dusty finish. This is a convincing Margaux that surprises with its vigor and length, surpassing expectations for a wine of its vintage. With an alcohol percentage of 12.0, it strikes a perfect balance, neither overpowering nor underwhelming.

Reviewed by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, it boasts a commendable score of 92. This review affirms the wine's vigor and length, and its ability to outshine even its most renowned siblings. The 1978 Chateau Palmer Bordeaux Blend is undoubtedly a vintage worth cherishing for any wine enthusiast.